BOLD PREDICTIONS: 2025 Cincinnati Reds

Happy Opening Day!

In true Twin fashion, we each took a stab at some predictions for 2025.

Record

Nick: 86-77

Zack: 88-74

All-Stars

Nick: Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, Matt McLain

Zack: Elly De La Cruz, Austin Hays, Hunter Greene

Nick:

Christian Encarnacion-Strand is a First Base Gold Glove Finalist

It seems that Christian Encarnacion-Strand has gained something of a reputation as only a lumbering slugger, which is not fair. Offense seems to be all that is talked about when it comes to CES, but I think he will have a breakout year on both sides of the ball.

This man is an athlete and has brought a whole new attitude to first base during Spring Training. If you have seen any Spring games, I am sure you have noticed. There were some questions heading into 2025 about how Encarnacion-Strand would fit into the lineup, but I think he will quickly establish himself as unmovable from 1st base, if he has not already.

CES has appeared at 1st base in 19 of his 20 Spring games, converting 104/105 of his total chances. This goes without mentioning some of his dazzling plays.

Luis Robert Jr. becomes a Red at the trade deadline

Robert has been linked to the Reds numerous times over the offseason. The deal makes perfect sense: the White Sox are at their lowest low in a long time and have a pricey star player nearing the end of his contract, and the Reds have a trove of low level prospects to help them rebuild for the future.

The Reds are notoriously stingy with giving up their prospects, and it is understandable that they may want more proof of concept with Robert staying on the field before sealing a deal. Robert has only played over 100 games once in his career, which was his 2023 All-Star campaign in which he smoked 38 bombs and stole 20 bases.

Robert is due to make $15M in 2025, and there are two club options for $20M apiece in 2026 and 2027. This kind of deal would likely include the Sox eating some remaining 2025 salary.

Fans have been clamoring for power hitting outfield help for a while now. The addition of Austin Hays will help, but the entire outfield outlook made up by Hays, Friedl, Fraley, Dunn, Hurtubise, Benson, and/or Steer depending on how he is deployed when he returns to fielding duties, does not feel World Series worthy.

However, an outfield of Hays, Friedl, and Robert every day starts to feel more like it. Steer could be used a super utility player, and you could bring one of the other guys from above as a depth piece 5th outfielder.

Stuart Fairchild has been cut, and Austin Hays will start the year on IL due a calf strain. The Reds will start with one of the weakest outfields in baseball, so do not be shocked if this happens sooner than later.

Zack:

Austin Hays Wins Comeback POY

The new Reds left fielder was an All Star as recently as 2023, so it would not be entirely shocking to see Hays return to this form. His 2024 was marked by multiple leg injuries, serious kidney issues, and a trade to Philadelphia. Now, Hays is healthy and will be batting behind Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz. This is some prime RBI potential, and I believe this will net him a trip to the All Star game once more and Comeback Player of the Year.

Perhaps this is wishful thinking due to the overall weakness of the outfield this season. On Tuesday, news came out that Hays is dealing with a bit of calf soreness, which kept him out of the lineup for the Dayton exhibition game. If he starts the season on the injured list, this prediction becomes even more bold. Also bold: NOT using batting gloves at the MLB level, which makes Hays cool regardless of how he hits this year.

Jose Trevino Secures Second Gold Glove Award

If Trevino was the primary catcher, this would not be a bold prediction at all. In 2022, Trevino was recognized as not only the best defensive catcher in the AL, but the best overall defensive player. With Tyler Stephenson starting the season on the IL, Trevino will be the man for an indefinite amount of time.

The last time Trevino caught over 100 games in a season, he was named Platinum Glove Award winner. I believe he will end up behind the plate more than Stephenson and end up in the running for Gold Glove once again. With the recent extension granted to Trevino, the team clearly believes in his abilities. We do as well.

Terry Francona Wins 4th Manager of the Year Award

We cannot say enough how cool it is that Terry Francona is managing our team. Managers that can actually impact a game and lead to more wins for a team do not grow on trees. We have one, and his accolades speak for themselves. As the winningest skipper in Cleveland history, Tito won Manager of the Year 3 times. I believe he will bring enough wins to the southern portion of the state to get the Reds into the playoffs. I think Francona's experience and acumen can turn around some of the 28 one-run losses and keep the Reds battling it out with the Cubs and Brewers atop the Central.

So many projections have the Reds finishing last in the division. This doesn't seem to compute. With an MVP level player in De La Cruz, a Cy Young potential pitcher in Hunter Greene, All Star caliber guys in McLain and Hays, and a surefire Hall of Fame manager calling the shots, there is no reason this team cannot compete for the division.