There is a foot of melting snow and slush surrounding my home, the Bengals didn’t make the playoffs, and I couldn’t be more ready for Reds Spring Training to begin. While the Reds haven’t made a massive splash in offseason moves, they have improved the roster and I believe they still have one more decent addition to finalize before heading into Spring Training. While last season didn’t go as planned, I would be shocked to see this team have a worse record in 2025, as Francona is now leading the team and I would hope that the injury bug leaves the city in 2025. Let’s dive into some quick facts and comments:

  • Important Dates: 2/10 Pitchers and Catchers Report, 2/17 Full Squad Workout, 2/22 First Spring Training Game vs. Guardians, 3/27 Reds Opening Day vs Giants
  • Cincinnati had a record of 77-85 in 2024 with a ton of injuries. The Reds currently have an O/U of 78.5. I think they are 2 games better in comparison to last season. I’d bet the over if I was a betting man (I am)
  • Major Additions: Brady Singer, Jose Trevino, Gavin Lux, Owen White, Terry Francona
  • Major Subtractions: David Bell, Jonathan India, Fernando Cruz, Luke Maile (Addition by subtraction with Luke), Buck Farmer, Jakob Junis, Ty France

Possible Rotation and Bullpen

  • Rotation Mix – Hunter Greene, Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez, Rhett Lowder, Andrew Abbott
  • Bullpen Mix – Graham Ashcraft, Julian Aguiar, Alexis Diaz, Casey Legumina, Sam Moll, Luis Mey, Connor Phillips, Lyon Richardson, Tony Santillan, Carson Spiers, Brent Suter, Yosver Zulueta
  • Pitchers to keep an eye on – Chase Burns (Fast Track?), Chase Petty, Zach Maxwell

Possible Starting Lineups as the Roster Stands

Vs RHP

  • McLain (2B)
  • De La Cruz (SS)
  • Steer (DH)
  • Stephenson (C)
  • Candelario (3B)
  • Lux (LF)
  • Encarnacion-Strand (1B)
  • Friedl (CF)
  • Fraley (RF)
  • Bench – Marte, Espinal, Trevino, Fairchild

Vs LHP

  • Friedl (RF?)
  • De La Cruz (SS)
  • McLain (CF?)
  • Marte (DH)
  • Fairchild (LF?)
  • Espinal (2B)
  • Trevino (C)
  • Candelario (1B)
  • Steer (3B)
  • Bench – Fraley, Lux, Encarnacion-Strand, Stephenson

Others Who Could Improve and Get Playing Time

  • Will Benson, Rece Hinds, Tyler Callihan, Blake Dunn, Jacob Hurtubise

Clear Needs

  • Outfield Power Bat, Defined Positions, Clarity on Pitching Roles, Extended Bullpen Help, Young Players to Shine, Injuries to be Limited

Way Too Early Predictions

  • Reds MVP – De La Cruz
  • BA Leader – McLain
  • HR Leader – De La Cruz
  • OBP Leader – Steer
  • Wins Leader – Greene
  • ERA Leader – Singer
  • Strikeout Leader – Greene
  • Bullpen ERA Leader – Moll