Memorial Day is the first major milepost in the Major League Baseball season. Cincinnati Reds fans have reasons to feel optimistic about this season after Memorial Day. 

Last year, the Reds were effectively out of contention by Memorial Day. This year, the Reds are battling in a close National League Central division. The Reds head into Thursday with a 26-29 record. Cincinnati went into the day in third place in the division. Three games behind the first place Milwaukee Brewers. Whom the Reds will face this weekend.

The NL Central is a strange division so far this season. Milwaukee and the Pittsburgh Pirates are the only teams currently with winning records. Pittsburgh had perhaps the most surprising start to season in Major League Baseball. The Pirates matched Cincinnati with 100 losses last year. Pittsburgh heads into Thursday with a 28-27 record.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati gave themselves a boost during Memorial Day weekend. By sweeping the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series. Not only did it help the Reds get ahead of the Cubs in the standings. The Reds managed to do well on a high-profile stage. Scoring at least eight runs in each game of that series.

The offense showed up for Hunter Greene, who left last Friday’s game with a no-hitter. Last Saturday, the Reds won in a nationally televised game. The Reds have kept their hot streak going this week in Boston. Winning their series against the Boston Red Sox. Their first series win against Boston since the 1975 World Series.

This comes after the Reds managed to stumble in other high-profile games this season. From losing on Opening Day to getting swept by the New York Yankees at home earlier in May. Blowing it in front of some of the largest home crowds they’ve had so far this season. While having some of their best games in front of smaller crowds. Shutting out the American League leading Tampa Bay Rays in front of the smallest crowd in Great American Ball Park’s history. If the Reds are going to convince their fans and baseball fans generally that they’re improving. They need to do well in high profile games; such as this weekend’s Brewers series.

Several Reds’ prospects are adding to the buzz surrounding the team. Cincinnati’s front office is facing some interesting questions about the future. With top prospect Elly De La Cruz producing a dazzling highlight reel. He and fellow prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand are giving the Triple-A Louisville Bats a boost. The Reds are facing the question of when to promote De La Cruz up from Louisville. Along with how they’ll adjust the infield lineup to bring De La Cruz up. Putting Cincinnati’s infield in an interesting situation.

With Jonathan India serving as the main second baseman. Nick Senzel is having perhaps the best stretch of his career. Rotating as needed between the infield and outfield. Spencer Steer is making the case to have a consistent spot on the Reds’ roster. While Matt McLain is making an early case for rookie of the year honors. These players are trying to make the case. That they should stay in Cincinnati whenever De La Cruz gets called up.

Their efforts are working to the Reds’ benefit on the field. One big test for the Reds is to see how long they can keep this hot streak going. After blundering their way through last year and through some high-profile games this year. The Reds have good opportunities ahead of them that they shouldn’t waste. If the Reds’ want to show they’re improving, they won’t waste those opportunities.