CINCINNATI -- If all goes according to plan under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds will provide their younger players with a crash course on what it takes to be winners and go to the playoffs. If not, Francona and several veterans with winning track records brought in during the offseason are going to find out how the other half lives. But based on how they came together during Spring Training, many are feeling optimistic. "A lot of versatile guys, really athletic guys that can run and play all over," said third baseman Gavin Lux, who won the World Series with the Dodgers in 2024. "Now we can all take that next step of game planning, controlling the strike zone and all the little things. I think obviously the talent is there. Now we just grow as a group. I think it’s been fun seeing everyone progress these last seven weeks." |
Besides Francona, who has a Hall of Fame resume and two World Series rings, and Lux, president of baseball operations Nick Krall also brought in starting pitchers Brady Singer and Wade Miley, relievers Taylor Rogers and Scott Barlow, left fielder Austin Hays and catcher Jose Trevino. Veteran starting pitcher Nick Martinez returned as a free agent and reliever Brent Suter was re-signed. All of those players are tasked with setting examples for talented young teammates like shortstop Elly De La Cruz and second baseman Matt McLain. That talent is one reason why Trevino -- who was with the American League champion Yankees in '24 and a 2022 All-Star -- signed a two-year contract extension before the season even started. "Look around the room right now, we have some electric guys," Trevino said. "You have Elly, McLain -- then you go to the pitching staff. The pitching staff is young, including the guys in the Minor Leagues. I think it’s something to be excited about for the future. I also feel like we have a great team now. It’s time to win." |
What needs to go right? Starting pitching depth needs to hold up With an offense that isn't filled with thumpers (see below) and a bullpen that currently lacks a closer, it will be on the starters to not only stay healthy and work deeper into games, but also keep games in reach. Last season, including relievers as openers, Cincinnati used 16 different starters. Only one of the original starting five -- Martinez -- made it all the way through the season without going on the injured list. Ace and Opening Day starter Hunter Greene is among those who have targeted 30 starts and 180 innings for 2025. If Greene can do that, good things are likely to follow. Great unknown … Is there enough offense? Cincinnati lacked a big offense in 2024 and often struggled to consistently provide run support. Then it did not sign a big bat in the offseason. The Reds did add Lux and Hays to lengthen their lineup, and have a healthy McLain back after he missed all of 2024. But they also lost Tyler Stephenson and Spencer Steer to injuries to open the season. During Cactus League games, the offense was still ranked in the bottom portion of the league. Those games don't matter, obviously, but Reds pitchers will need more support in the regular season. |
Team MVP will be … Elly De La Cruz De La Cruz hit 25 home runs with a Major League-leading 67 steals last season and continued to captivate the league. The two very large dings to his season? His 218 strikeouts and 29 errors. Both led the Majors. It should be encouraging that De La Cruz drew almost as many walks (10) as strikeouts (12) during camp. Besides having four homers, he often hit the ball hard. If he can build off last season's successes and reduce mistakes, the 23-year-old could be a National League MVP candidate also. "I'm locked in. I'm feeling good," De La Cruz said. |
Team Cy Young will be … Nick Lodolo Greene is an obvious choice and Martinez was their best overall pitcher in 2024. But Lodolo -- if he stays healthy -- could become the Reds' best starter. The left-hander has one of the game's best breaking balls and can rack up strikeouts quickly. He's also shown that he can get on a roll such as the 1.88 ERA he posted in four April starts last year. There were also four trips to the IL for Lodolo, who made 21 starts last season after he was limited to seven starts in 2023. The good news for him is he's looked healthy in camp and pitched well. Bold prediction … Graham Ashcraft will lead the Reds in saves That's right. Just moved from the rotation to the bullpen last week, Ashcraft will eventually emerge as the closer and have more saves than Alexis Díaz. His triple-digit stuff and mentality suit him best for the role. |
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Here is a list of the festivities planned for Opening Day: • 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ET: Reds Community Fund Block Party Free pregame Opening Day Block Party at The Banks on Joe Nuxhall Way, Freedom Way and Marian Spencer Way. • 12 p.m.: Findlay Market Opening Day Parade It's the 106th edition of the parade. Reds Hall of Famer Chris Sabo will be the grand marshal and former NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip is the honorary grand marshal. • 2:10 p.m.: Gates open at Great American Ball Park • 3:30 p.m.: Pregame ceremonies begin Sabo will throw the ceremonial first pitch while Waltrip will also serve as the honorary captain. Marlana VanHoose will sing the national anthem with a flyover from the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard. |
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After Thursday's Opening Day and Friday's scheduled day off, the Reds will hold Kids Opening Day on Saturday before playing the Giants at 4:10 p.m. ET. It will feature a pregame red carpet parade with Reds players and mascots and more activities for kids. Tickets are available here. |
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