The Cincinnati Reds have made some major improvements to their team this season compared to last year. But they've also taken some major steps backward. The Reds are one of the better home run-hitting teams in the league this season after struggling to do so last year. They're third in baseball with 48 home runs this season, ranked ahead of the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart have carried the bulk of the load, combining for 19 home runs so far, but Nathaniel Lowe, Spencer Steer, and JJ Bleday are carrying their weight, too. But their batting average has lacked. ESPN's Bradford Doolittle recently highlighted the Reds lack of hits as the one thing that must change for the Reds to be a true contender this season. Reds Need to Find a Way to Improve Their Batting Average Cincinnati Reds hitting coach Chris Valaika (76) poses for a portrait during the Cincinnati Reds picture day, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Cincinnati Reds player development complex in Goodyear, Ariz.…