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