GOODYEAR, Ariz. – The Cincinnati Reds are entering the 2025 MLB season with renewed optimism as they restructure their roster and make key decisions during Spring Training. With Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona at the helm, the front office has been proactive about strengthening the team following last season’s struggles.
After years of rebuilding, Reds ownership has committed to bolstering the roster without overspending, as demonstrated by their recent moves. The hiring of Francona, reportedly on a $5 million annual contract, marked a significant shift back to competitive baseball for the franchise. Yet, the team has been cautiously optimistic, raising the payroll incrementally but still finding itself among the bottom third of the majors with around $115 million projected for the upcoming charges.
One glaring missed opportunity for the team was the pursuit of Alex Bregman, who signed with the Boston Red Sox for three years at $120 million. The Reds appeared reluctant to extend the necessary funds to secure Bregman, which raised eyebrows, especially with the promising talent they have coming up through the ranks. Fans are asking why the team didn’t go all-in for the Gold Glove third baseman, particularly with the uncertainties surrounding their current third base options like Jeimer Candelario, Gavin Lux, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.
“It’s surprising they haven't pushed more aggressively,” noted one analyst. “With the revenue sharing they are receiving, they could have justified the additional investment to bring Bregman home.” Yet, commitment from ownership has often been questioned, and everything might hinge on the Reds’ performance as they gear up for this season.
The Reds’ outfield situation is one area of focus, with various moving parts contributing to roster construction. Players like Stuart Fairchild and Will Benson are already competing for spots, vying for their chance to shine. Cincinnati's Spring Training camp has acknowledged the nuanced evaluations for outfield spots, where factors such as contract status and player options come heavily under consideration.
Francona has emphasized flexibility, stating, “It sort of depends on who the guys are. I’ve done it both ways. What I care about is putting our best team out there.” While some players will stay regulars, others might see their time adjusted based on performance against right or left-handed pitchers.
Adding to the mix, the Reds selected Cooper Bowman during the Rule 5 draft. Tendered the opportunity to play multiple positions, Bowman could prove invaluable if he secures his spot on the major league roster. Francona has highlighted Bowman’s diversity, saying, “You’re going to see him play probably more outfield this week. I’m trying to be fair to him, a kid coming out of Double-A, Rule 5.” Should Bowman perform well enough to stay, his inclusion could alter the dynamics across various position players.
Despite injuries hampering some players, Francona's plan involves creative use of existing roster members to keep the lineup competitive. Specific mention has been made of Spencer Steer, who previously saw time on the outfield but is currently dealing with shoulder issues, limiting him to designated hitting. This situation calls for strategic adaptability as the Reds navigate through diverse roster options, balancing between the immediate needs of the lineup and long-term development of younger players.
The importance of each game during spring training cannot be overstated. With potential trades looming, the Reds are keeping all options open as they finalize their plans. Early outcomes from these games will help Francona determine which players fit best within the team’s framework.
While internal discussions about improvements continue, many fans remain curious about which additional players might be on the Reds' radar as the team navigates through the season. The baseball universe is rife with rumors, and the Reds stand to benefit from engaging more actively with their Major League compared to previous seasons when budget constraints limited their potential.
Organizations like the Reds understand the need for progressive and calculated moves during this pivotal offseason as uncertainty brews both within the club and across competing organizations. An improving division has heightened competition, and the Reds will need to capitalize on their opportunities to contend effectively this next season.
The big questions remain: can the Reds juggle the roster successfully and capitalize on their fresh start? Will they safeguard their investments wisely or falter once more before the end of the season? Only time, performance, and strategy will tell as the season progresses.
One notable move mainstay throughout is Reds' ability to adapt to fluctuated performance metrics across the outfield and the second base. The fluidity between batting averages and plays demonstrates the team's ability to rethink strategy based on observations made every game.
With Francona at the helm and the steady mix of talent versus experience, Reds’ fans can look forward to what promises to be both intriguing and intense baseball as the team looks to prove their mettle this upcoming season.