The Cincinnati Reds officially signed outfielder Austin Hays today, a few days after initially agreeing to a deal with him. In order to clear room for him on the 40-man roster the team designated relief pitcher Casey Legumina for assignment.
Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall spoke with the media on Thursday evening about the signing. “This year was a tough year for him,” Krall said. “He went through the whole issues with his kidneys, which is why the physical took so long. We went through an extensive physical to determine and make sure he was going to be healthy moving forward.”
Krall would later add that “The guy was an All-Star two years ago. He’s got a chance to be a solid every day outfielder. So we’re just hoping he can get back to that form and contribute to this lineup.”
While much of the conversation revolved around Hays, there was a good question posed about what this week’s deals mean for the club moving forward that added some money to the payroll and if there was room to make anything else happen.
“I think we’re probably in a spot where this is your team going to camp, ” Krall said. “If we make another move it’s going to have to be somethign we discuss internally. But you’re always looking to make some moves. I’d love to bring a couple more NRI’s (non-roster invitees) in to compete for spots. I think that competition is really good. You’re always looking for some ways to make your club better and this is no different. It’s probably not as much flexibiity as we had last week, but I think we could add some NRI’s and see what happens.”
Earlier tonight Jon Heyman of the New York Post speculated that Cincinnati could be a good fit for Pete Alonso. Bad timing on his part as Krall’s comments happened less than an hour after Heyman published that piece.
While there are always possibilities of trades where the money is similar in both directions, it seems that if any moves that will be made between now and the start of the year happen that if they are going to involve a free agent that it’s not going to be anything that should be expected to have much of any impact.
Alonso is a pipe dream but if they found the money to add him, mannnnn. I don’t think that came from no where – but being aggressive makes some sense. You don’t bring in Tito without some investment.
I don’t really think this is Krall blowing smoke, but if the Alonso thing stretches into the spring and he doesn’t get the years he’s looking for…
Gee the Reds added sooo much talent for Tito to work with and the Fan base to excited about! …Austin Hays & Taylor Roger’s & not much else!
They play in a Home Run Patk with a Team relatively bereft of Power!
Unbelievable!!
I think the Alonso thing likely was a leak from his agent as a BATNA to the Mets. Not sure it worked the way they expected.
It could also be bull hockey from the media to generated views and clicks. Who knows?
I don’t think Krall going say what he did if the Reds were in talks. He might say what he said and then get a green-light for more money later that he didn’t have when he made the statement. I don’t see him straight up lying.
Anyway, I don’t think the Red were in on Alonso.
I like what Krall’s put together. I think this team is 10 wins better than 2024 with the potential something special happens. I was a little skeptical most of the off season but I like the individual players that are coming back from injury and who were added. And I like the synergies that these moves create. I also like Francona as manager of this team.
In my mind Hunter Greene is our top trade chip. I am so impressed how the reds have developed young pitching that as a fan i would not ne mad if the reds traded him for a big sluggee
Greene is the epitome of a budding superstar that the Reds shouldn’t even consider trading. He’s still under team control for a number of years and entering his prime, along with Elly the face of the franchise, a player to covet.
Greene is controllable for 5 years. Like EDLC has MVP potential, Greene has CY potential. I would guess both are going to be traded in their last year or two, but not now.
I would consider trading Diaz but not Greene………….
That’s crazy. In my mind never trade good pitching. It’s much more difficult to replace that than hitting. Trade prospects or ok hitting for better hitting. In all sports prospects are considerably overrated.
What I meant was multiple ok players for hopefully one better guy and/or prospects for hitting, but you should never trade good to great controllable pitching. Trading Greene now would be insanely bad. Sorry to jump on you, but it’s a really dumb idea.
The Reds would have to trade away salary to get Alonso. He is going to cost probably 12 to 15 million minimum. If he signs for less that would be a missed opportunity for the Reds. I think someone is going to pick him up and it will a be 15 to 20 million for one year.
He turned down 3/70 from the Mets. Rumor is he’s looking for 30+ AAV.
This sounds about right, for now. Looking at the 40-man, I count 9 pretty solid MLB hitters (not including Espinal, Fairchild, Benson and CES), and 13 MLB pitchers (not including those lost on the injured list for extended times). Almost certainly Espinal and Fairchild claim the 6th IF/5th OF spots, which is OK if not better, so it’s really 1 spot each in the IF and OF left to decide upon.
So – they’ve got 22 spots set for TF, and spring training lets him choose the other 4 on offense and if he and DJ want to take a chance on one of the other arms. They have plenty of pitching depth, and lots of AAAA arms behind that, but very limited hitting to dip into.
Lux, Hays and Singer at least filled the roster with MLB talent, though they didn’t get the obvious power hitting corner player. Unlike the recent past, for most games they should be able to run out a lineup of 9 innings worth of pitchers and MLB hitters. They’re still 2 players short of serious contenders, but there’s also plenty of pre-season time to trade, and the mid-season deadline.
TF’s assignment is clearly to get them through the 1st half close enough so a trade can get them to the wild card or better. It’s a major flop if they don’t get close to the playoffs, just OK if it’s a first round and out, and a real surprise if they get beyond a first round exit.
I don’t think there’s any empty offensive spots for TF to pick. Assuming 13 offensive spots available, who from the following list won’t make it (if healthy):
Stephenson
Candy
CES
Steer
McLain
EDLC
Fraley
Friedl
Lux
Hays
Trevino
Expinal
Fairchild
Maybe Bowman makes it over Fairchild, but that may be the only decision TF makes as far as setting the offensive side of the roster. However, TF will be deciding who plays where and how much they play.
My mistake – I was looking at the 40-man before Hays was added. He makes 10 MLB proven hitters. I won’t be surprised if CES begins in AAA. I’ll be very surprised if they take Bowman over Fairchild, yes there is utility value, but Bowman is really the pre-season insurance policy in case Espinal is injured.
Fairchild and Espinal are the backups/bench, so it comes down to CES or other for the 13th offensive spot.
CES is making the team unless he totally flips in ST. I think the last spot comes down to Fairchild,Benson and Marte. Either way that will probably be their best bench they have had in a long time.
Pete Alonzo -> Reds? Oh sure, and you can take the subway out to the boffo Cincinnati (Blue Ash) airport on me if that happens. Krall has wrapped it up without that impact player (preferably in the outfield) that most of us cited as a “must.” On second reckoning, maybe he has just provided enough levers at a reasonable cost to give Tito enough line to show his expertise and set the stage for a 1990 type season (in 2026). Half a dozen potential turnaround cases, competent game situation management, fewer bus ride call ins, and final resolution of the protracted sorting makes this season among the most compelling of the Bob & Phil era. There is some odd comfort to know that the team is still about 40 million short of peak Bell spending and Bob ain’t getting any younger. I see 84 wins and a clear path opened up for 2026. Krall did well.
This is our team. We’ll see what Tito can do now.
Oh well, Bob and the Reds wasted Joey Votto’s career. Why should we expect EDLC to get more support? Bet the long shot and hope for a miracle. I suspect they are still projected as the 3rd place team in the division.
And more NRIs. Still chasing Roy Hobbs, even after all these years.
This is a more well rounded team than any Votto was on except maybe the playoff years. Votto teams had talent but big holes.
This team doesn’t have big holes. I’m excited for the season and I think Krall has done very well with a limited budget and some really weird revenue uncertainty.
I think this guy gets it
https://www.redreporter.com/2025/1/30/24355239/cincinnati-reds-luis-robert-rumors-chicago-white-sox
Trust me, the check is in the mail.
I understand his argument, and I’ve considered how closely Luis Robert, Jr. compares to Willy Adames and Christian Yelich, two Brewer acquisitions that have set them apart over the several seasons. Robert, Jr. is a comparable talent, but his injury history and 2024 season pose warning flags that weren’t present with Adames or Yelich. Consider that Stuart Fairchild would have likely produced more bWAR than Robert, Jr. last season if he logged similar playing time. Robert, Jr.’s talent is dazzling, but he’s only remained healthy in one of his five seasons. Most of his IL time last season was from a right hip flexor strain, something he missed time for in 2021–far more troubling than unrelated injuries. Robert, Jr. has talent, but a ton of risk.
During last year’s trade deadline discussions and with the subject of acquiring Luis Robert, I supported a trade given his significant talent. My comp, in both talent and real expectations, was Eric Davis. My thinking was, having Davis, or Robert, for 100-120 games a year was still a large gain. For that reason I’d assume the risk today (the price is a different issue). To support this take on Luis Robert, i just did a quick tally on Eric Davis’ games played in his first ten years. His average was 106 games a year.
Trading from surplus/redundancy, i’d consider one of Arroyo/Stafura/Lewis, one of Phillips/Richardson/Spiers and one of Johnson/Balcazar/Acosta.
Dave, Eric Davis was a better, healthier and more consistent player five years into his career. After five years 20.3 bWAR vs. 13.9 in about 50 more games. Many are assuming we get the best of Robert, Jr–something he’s struggled to deliver. Davis, Adames, and Yelich were all much, much better bets at the same point in their careers.
@Dave, I’ll bet, just judging by ChiSox asks in prior trades and prior executed trades, it is Arroyo and one of Lowder/Burns, and some more (like Stafura) after that. They have no motivation to sell low right now considering he is controlled for 3 more years. As Steve Adams (mlbtraderiumors) said in a chat, one good month for Robert and it changes everything in June for his trade market, and he doesn’t expect anyone to meet the ChiSox demands before the season.
Hype, I agree that is the WS ask, but I wouldn’t meet it.
I would absolutely consider sending Lowder to the Other Sox for Tristen Casas and his 65 power, however.
Casas or Abreu. There was trade chatter of Abreu early in the offseason. But that chatter died down.
BK, to clarify, while Robert and Davis are similar, and Davis was better, my comp is in how to view them, as good for 100-120 games a year of an impact player. It is still a risk I’d take, that being a possibility of a healthy, highly productive run by Robert sometime in 2025 or 26 at the same time EDLC takes off for the stratosphere and Hunter Greene anchors an outstanding staff.
My thought behind this is, having assembled a core of complementary players such as McLain, Stephenson, a healthy Candelario, an outfield team of Friedl, Steer, Lux, Hays, & Fraley, and possible upgrades in CES and Marte, adding a top shelf talent like Robert to our other one, EDLC, could trigger a playoff run. The bet is aldo predicated upon the idea that opposing teams would be very wary of facing Greene, Lodolo, Singer, Martinez and Abbott and possibly Lowder in a 5- game series, let alone a 7-game series.
It’s a risk. But i like taking risks and, if timed right — which a trade for Robert could possibly be — we might get a surprising result.
Note: Tristen Casas for Rhett Lowder us a deal i might make before one with the White Sox. Just sayin’. Let’s hope Boston gets Bregman and moves Devers to 1B!
Mostly yes, but he concludes it’s “not even really a money thing”. He goes on about “risk aversion”, but I’d counter that with a “bad deal” avoidance. We don’t know, and may never know, but only Arroyo is mentioned along with the $$$$ cost. What if the $$$$ was unimportant, and the other players included sunk the deal? What if the other players included Petty and Burns, or Marte and CES and Lowder?
This may be the rare case where ownership had no negative involvement, and the FO made an excellent decision not concerning the budget.
I’d move Marte in a New York minute. Loaded with talent, but the attitude/motivation doesn’t seem to support the talent.
I agree about Marte as movable, but the attitude can be dealt with. The objection remains what was there when he was acquired – the Mariners chat indicated his talent peaked very early which is why he overperformed throughout the low minors, and did very well when first called up, but will he be able to restore and return to that level after the time away? In a sense, the same dilemma facing Robert – what are you going to get and for how long? You won’t know until you test it.
I’m actually encouraged by the Reds in the Roberts situation – it’s basically a game of chicken with the Sox at this point, and if the article is at all accurate, the Reds are the last team calling their bluff, and likely at one too many prospects demanded. I suspect the Sox want 2 of the top 10 and more after that, and the Reds offer 1 each from top 10, 20 and so on.
How many years has it been again since the Reds won a playoff series? Yes risks are worth taking especially since we’ve got arguably the player with the most talent in the major leagues leaving in a few years. As I’ve said before I’d start out with Lodolo and Marte. If Arroyo is necessary too then go for it. I’d try to keep him though if possible. The White Sox have to come back down to earth and be reasonable too. The point is keep negotiating. IF Krall would be able to land Robert too along with everything else he’s done then he would probably get an A+ for the off season especially firing Bell and signing Francona late in the season.
Melvin – Luis Robert is not the answer. He is in the same category health wise as Nick Senzel…a player who is not only often hurt, but one who CANNOT stay healthy. And for such a player there is zero chance that I am going to give up Lodolo. I know, I know, Lodolo has been often injured too, but you don’t give up a starting pitcher with his talent level as PART of a package for an outfielder who averages less than 100 games played per season.
I understand your points. However Robert is much more of a potential difference maker than Senzel was. Both Lodolo and Robert can see their value drop dramatically very soon. Considering how long it’s been since “winning” and the other players out there available it’s worth a shot in my view.
Every time someone touts the Reds drafting and building instead of trading and buying FAs, I think of guys like Senzel. Again, what did they do to support Votto and get to the playoffs? Remember most of the Reds’ roster from the 2013 team was acquired prior to Castellini taking over as managing partner. What has Castellini done since that warrants crediting him with a strategy to win or even Krall for that matter? The willingness of fans to give this organization the benefit of doubt ranks up there with Charlie Brown playing football with Lucy. it always ends the same way.
@LDS,
Maybe it’s your nature to focus on the negative (Senzel). But overall the Reds have been very successful developing players through their system.
Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Tyler Stephenson, Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Rhett Lowder, Matt McLain, TJ Friedl, Nick Lodolo, Alexis Diaz, Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan
If all you can think of is Senzel when you think of “Reds draft and development”, you’re missing the forest for the trees.
@AllTheHype, first of all, Steer was acquired from MN in the Mahle trade. Santillan has a total of 96 MLB innings. Lowder has 30 so far. Ashcraft has a career ERA of 4.91 and an ERA+ of 92. McLain has had one good season and one lost to injury. Lodolo, a starter in 3 years, has managed a IP high of 115 and has spent tons of time on the IL. Friedl has had one really good year (2023) and turns 30 this season. Diaz, most on this board label him as useless and a trade opportunity.
Abbott, Greene, and EDLC have been above average, particularly last year. But your list of success stories is a bit inflated. And a few players doesn’t define the team’s overall trajectory which has been abysmal for 20 years or longer – 30 years since the last playoff victory leads all major sports in team futility. So no, I’m not negative. I just don’t discount history as much as many here do. Much of the reaction to the Reds’ offseason acquisitions can be explained by the Hawthorne Effect.
Again, maybe it’s just your nature. Sure seems like it. 98% of your posts are negative and focus on the negative aspect of everything. You and V4L just feed each other. When the Reds are on a winning streak during the season, both of you disappear.
“Considering how long it’s been since “winning” and the other players out there available it’s worth a shot in my view.”
I think this summarizes many of the posts here. It’s a good debate but there is a lot of imagining how one of us could have convinced the White Sox to do what they don’t want to do. The past has been frustrating, but I don’t see the Reds as one good trade away from making their past go away. On this aspect, I agree with LDS; the Reds on paper, have a lot of “ifs.” The next step is for the team to show it’s better than the projection systems and gamblers believe. When that happens, the Reds should be well-poised to move more aggressively. Regarding Robert, Jr., the timing is not right (and won’t correct the past) and the value proposition by multiple reliable reports was poor.
LDS isn’t a pessimist, so much as a skeptic. And that’s ok. After all, 30+ years for a playoff series victory is a legitimate data point. His outlook gives us pause to consider if there is improvement & trajectory we all hope for.
Hays vs Robert is an interesting comp. Both have had success and if they are healthy are very good for the current price. Given the recent lack of success with high $ contracts, I’d hate to roll the dice on Robert just to have him sit. Hays is the better option IMO.
Re: “Remember most of the Reds’ roster from the 2013 team was acquired prior to Castellini taking over as managing partner.”
Castellini assumed control of the Reds as its Chief Executive Officer on Jan. 19, 2006.
Of the 24 players on the 2013 Reds roster who had 200+ PA or 30+ IP, 17 of them were added after Castellini took control.
No @Hype, not a pessimist, simply realistic. What percentage of draftees go on to have above average MLB careers? It’s a relatively small percentage, I’m sure. Consequently, the likelihood of developing a post season competitive team strictly through drafting is exceedingly low. It might happen, but not something you’ll make money betting on. Bottom line, the Reds have embraced mediocrity and the Castellinis and the partners are rolling in the profits, while fans continue to think “it’ll be different this time”. It never is.
@allthehype. If you think I disappear when the Reds win you haven’t been paying attention. It has been 30 years since this team has won a playoff game and LDS and I are the problem?
It seems you have a problem with people who have a different opinion than you. If so, you should instead follow the Reds on FB, there are people there who attend maybe one game a year and think every Red is a HOF player. It seems more your speed.
Yes Tom, several were drafted in 2006, the year Castellini assumed his role. And you can argue that Krivsky had a lot to do with those acquisitions. Odds are they were identified before that, but we’ll assume Castellini’s organization did that. OTH, what has this ownership group done in the last 20 years that even vaguely suggests they care about winning? Not a diddly …thing.
Re: “Yes Tom, several were drafted in 2006, the year Castellini assumed his role.”
No sadly that’s not true either, only one. But by all means, keep doubling down trying to make the false stuff you post true.
I don’t think Lodolo has much trade value to the WhiteSox in particular. They are in a full teardown/rebuild. Lodolo only has 3 years of team control left and they are all arb years. I think the Sox would rather have Petty, Burns or Lowder and I don’t see the Reds parting with any of the three for Robert.
I was going over the Reds roster last night and it has more question marks than the Riddler’s jacket. The only sure thing is Elly. Everyone seems is questionable to me, even if healthy.
Although, Austin Hayes provides the Reds with a right handed bat, he doesn’t seem much of an upgrade over Nick Senzel. His career numbers are slightly better I guess, but he is closer to Senzel than he is what the Reds need.
At least the Reds spent a little money this off season, but did they spend it well? Seems to me they have decided to sign a bunch of one year contracts then rinse and repeat next off season.
Yep. Amazing how easy it is to excite this fan base with the addition of Gavin Lux and Austin Hays to an offense that ranked 27th in OPS+ last year.
V4L – Reds fans are going to be pleasantly surprised with Hays. I watched him play in Baltimore in the ballpark that does not favor RH’ed hitters at all and he excelled. Struggled last year after kidney infection, but he should be great hitter in GABP.
On another subject that I have noticed lately…Reds fans (or at least the ones on this site) seem to disparage Steer and Espinal. This, in my opinion, is not true. For the life of me I can’t understand how a career .266 hitter (Espinal) can be called “not much of a bat” and Steer led the team in RBI’s last season. Just don’t understand the critical comments.
V4L, Misinformation.
Senzel career OPS+ 76
Hays career OPS+ 107
Roobert Jr OPS+ 117
Obviously much closer to Robert Jr than Senzel.
I don’t think Austin Hayes is a bad player. I just don’t think he meets the Red’s greatest need, namely a clean up hitter.
If the Reds signed Hayes in addition to acquiring a clean up hitter I would have been pleased. But, the Reds increased their payroll without addressing their greatest weakness. It doesn’t make sense. Perhaps they will address it next offseason after Nick Martinez is gone. But then again, I thought that this off season.
I guess that depends on what you think the lineup’s greatest weakness is. I don’t think it needed a cleanup hitter at all. I think the lineup needed to be lengthened. Meaning less PAs to Benson (378 PAs 76 OPS+), Espinal (391 PAs, 77 OPS+), Marte (242 PAs, 49 OPS+), Martini (163, 73), Fairchild (233, 77), Maile (154, 44).
And while India’s PAs (105 OPS+) will get largely replaced 1:1 by McLain (127 OPS+ in 2023), that leaves Lux, Hays, CES, and Trevino to replace a large swath of the above PAs.
In that sense, the lineup has undoubtedly been lengthened.
And don’t get me wrong on Espinal and Fairchild. They have roles to play on ’25. Just hopefully we will not be sending them to the plate over 600 times.
Again @Hype, you’re assuming that McLain, coming back from injury and with one year of experience under his belt, will approach his rookie performance. Sure, that could happen, but it’s by no means guaranteed or even to be expected. Who are the Reds legitimate 30+ HR threats? Maybe EDLC if he can make more contact. Who else? Oh right, Candelario because he’s now playing half his games in GABP. Seriously, since Suarez, who let it go to his head, who can be counted on to deliver the power, which seems to be the focus of today’s game?
@LDS, you should probably re-read my response. I don’t think you consumed it if you read it. First, I did not assume McLain would repeat his 127 OPS+ season, just that he would replace India’s 105 OPS+. Then, I presented the case that the Reds don’t need a cleanup hitter. It’s fallacy. They just need the lineup to be lengthened.
Also, I did not mention an assumption for Candelario improvement. Nor did I mention Candelario at all in my response.
You simply did not read. Maybe read first, then respond?
Reading goes a long way……
I didn’t say you mentioned Candelario. But it’s an oft repeated refrain here that because of the GABP that player X’s HRs will go up. Nonetheless, I hope your expectations of the Reds turns out to be better than mine. I don’t see much hope of a post season spot without more roster changes. The argument “the division is weak, anything can happen” just isn’t a justification for failing to do the job this offseason, last trading deadline, last offseason, etc. Again, just because the FO spends money doesn’t mean the team is better for it, as last year’s splurge more than demonstrated.
In fairness @LDS, only 10 players in the NL hit 30+ HR last year. The Reds are not alone in not having a bopper. A bopper absolutely helps but fewer plate appearances for guys who just flat out don’t hit very well, is going to be a boost. Is it enough of a boost to get the team into a playoff spot? I’m not feeling great about that, no. It does improve their chances some however.
Don’t know if it’s me being overly optimistic but I have a really good feeling about this team. Health is the most important thing here. With this manager and the additions , I think we can roll with it?
Let’s all remember this team with all the injuries still played decent baseball. You turn around the one run loss record and we are all singing a different tune. Yes a losing record is what it is, however gaining Lux, Hays, and Trevino offsets the losing India and Maile. With a healthy CES and Mclain as well as a bounce back year from Candelario Reds could in fact make some noise. Don’t forget if we believe Bell cost Reds 5 games Francona can add 5 wins.
Yes I am a optimist until proven otherwise LOL
Kevin H is right on.
Go Reds (and high socks on Elly)!
Spot on. Bringing in a manager who knows what it takes to win MULTIPLE rings and keep putting a team like Cleveland in the playoffs year in, year out has me very optimistic that the will be a renewed focus on the intangibles: Putting the work in, being yourself but making sure you’re policing yourselves, NO. MORE. TOOTBLANS! Those items would add 5-10 wins alone from last year.
One thing Francona knows–among others–is that it takes good players to win championships. The teams he managed in Cleveland and Boston had good players. I’m not as bitter as LDS and V4Life, probably(though I certainly understand the bitterness), but I agree that the Reds, though more solid than they have been in recent years, will be depending heavily on positive answers to most of the many questions that surround this team. Ownership is clearly unwilling to spend what it would take to be a clear favorite to make the playoffs.
Not bitterness @GreenMTred, just disgust. Big difference. I don’t respect mediocrity and there’s far too much of that in this organization. Participation trophies all around. That’s what counts.
Don’t relax, Krall! There are still a couple trades to make to get another shortstop (because EDLC is now 3B) and an outfielder. Candy and Pagan to Mets for Marte (or Taylor?), for example. Or Candy for Mullins. Or Candy to Orioles, Mullins to Angels, and Ward to Reds. And Moll for Rengifo? Or Moll to Yankees for Peraza? Anyway, let’s make another move or 2 and make this offseason an A!
Krall made it clear they are not paying Hays $5m on the expectation he will be the short side of a platoon.
If Lux is an every day player (and also McLain), it will be very interesting to see how the outfield situation develops since one of them would figure to be playing primarily in the OF.
McLain may end up in CF?
Alternately, one of them may shift to 3B, assuming CES will be the primary 1B.
Lux and McLain have 1 MLB level 3B appearance (by Lux) between them. Lux has also made 4 MiLB at AAA appearances at 3B. I cannot find any record of McLain ever playing 3B.
Candelario has made 687 MLB level 3B appearances (vs 117 at 1B). Why wouldn’t he be the 3B?
Lux has made 45 MLB OF appearances (39 in LF). McLain has made zero MLB OF appearances but played a full season in CF at UCLA and played some CF in the Arizona Fall League this off season.
I’d seek to minimize the defensive disruption of platooning. Hays has a big arm. If he can cover the territory, put him in RF every day. Lux would be in LF with the platoon option of Steer who would get additional PAs as a “supersub”.
Freidl is in CF if he can play it like he did before his injury last year and not like he did in the 2nd half of 2024 after he came back from injury and was not the same defender he had been before.
Fraley is a platooned DH. The best RH bat on the bench on days the Reds face a LHP is his platoon partner.
If Freidl cannot cut the defense in CF, move McLain there and play the Lux/ Steer platoon at 2B with Freidl in LF every day. But this is a tough call for me because I want the best and same 2B/SS combination as much as possible.
Insofar as switching positions, I think back to 1966. New manager don Heffner moved Rose to 3B to put Helms at 2B (then flipped them back), moved Johnson to LF (from 3B), and platooned Perez and Coleman at 1B.
New manager Dave Bristol in 1967 moved Rose to LF, Perez to 3B, Helms at 2B, and Johnson to 1B. Each of those moves was closer to their natural positions and that lineup was better than 1966 was. Lee May took Coleman’s spot as P/T 1B.
Put players at their natural positions as much as possible.
None of us know how Tito will shuffle the deck chairs, but I’d be surprised if McLain is the 2B.
The Reds were connected to multiple 2B’s before we got Lux. To me that’s Tito telling Krall McLain is my blank. That blank could be 3B, or CF. They pursued Robert JR, so maybe that means McLain was thought of as the 3B? Hays was the OF consolation prize.
2B Lux, SS EDLC, 3B McLain?
@ MBS- I heard an interview with Brad Meador last week and he said McLain is the 2b and Elly the SS and Friedl the CF.
Lux will be DH/3b/LF
Sure, he may play 2b if McLain is injured or getting an off day but the GM was clear that McLain is the opening day 2b.
Of course he was last year too and India was going to play all over until he wasnt.
I think Lux will see significant time in LF, Hays in RF. The question in my mind is Steer. I guess that depends if CES is optioned. Steer might be 1B. Or could be 3B too against LHP, with Candy against RHP. Who gets to hit LHP regularly, Lux or Candy? Lots of questions.
@ ATH- he said Steer would play some 1b with CES/candy
Candy/Steer/Lux 3b
Lux/Steer LF
sounds like CI and LF will have some rotational pieces. Caveat- this was before the Hays signing so that likley pushes steer back to Corner infield. I thought Steer played a great first base defensively – much more mobile and athletic than Candy but CES in the mix too,.
But , Francona wants to see people in person. Charlie Goldsmith had a piece out that said Francona likes his defensive infielders and Espinal may have a bigger role at 3b.
Can we get this thing started out in Goodyear?
I believe we will have much less shuffling of players around the field this year unless it is forced by injury.
Candelario has nearly 700 career appearances as a 3B. Just put him there until his defense or offense fails. CES is at 1B.
EDLC and McLain are the SS/2B combination.
Hays is in RF, Lux in LF w/ Steer as a platoon partner option. Steer picks up additional PAs as a super sub because he can just be dropped in without juggling the lineup in multiple spots.
Fraley becomes the DH versus RHP. The best available RH hitter on the bench is Fraley’s DH platoon partner. This is also an ideal way to get Stephenson PAs as DH versus LH pitching.
IMO, this stuff does not have to be the kind of rocket science David Bell tried to make it be to get the last iota of offense out of his squad and in the process lose sight that the overall bottom line counted more and thus in the end losing his job.
@Old, I didn’t hear that interview, but I stand by what I said. Meaning the Reds have behaved in a manner that suggests they wanted a 2B, then they acquired a 2B.
Lux has 307 games as a 2B, McLain has more games as a SS for the Reds than a 2B, and neither are very much at all.
My guess for what they’ll do:
C Steph, DH Candy, 1B CES
2B Lux, 3B McLain, SS EDLC
LF Hays, CF Friedl, RF Fraley
C Trevino
1B/DH/RF Steer
2B/SS/3B Espinal
CF, LF Fairchild
What I think they should do:
C Steph, DH Candy, 1B Steer
2B Lux, 3B Espinal, SS EDLC
LF Friedl, CF McLain, RF Hays
C Trevino
2B/3B/SS Espinal
CF/1B/DH Bowman
RF/LF Fairchild
Let CES, Benson, and Marte start the year in AAA, and make them force their way back onto the roster.
uff, not Fairchild RF/LF, Fraley RF/LF
@MBS I don’t think you’d want a guy with sub-80 OPS+ (the last 2 years) and 60 OPS+ last year against RHP as your starting 3B. He’s a good utility guy. But he has little to no bat.
@All, no I do not want that. That’s why I wanted another bat, specifically a power hitting bat, but we have what we have.
I don’t want Benson’s 2024 76 OPS+, Marte’s 49 OPS+, or CES’s 39 OPS+ to be given an opening day roster spot, much less a starting spot. I think letting them work through some things in AAA would be the best thing for not only the team, but them as players.
I like all 3 players, but we have to remember these are still inexperienced guys, not MLB regulars. Espinal has been an Allstar, a very good defender, and he has 5 years of MLB experience.
Robert Jr is the type of player that causes the deck chairs to be rearranged. He was going to be CF if he came to the Reds regardless of whether Freidl was part of the outgoing talent in the deal (i.e. Cameron leaving as part of the deal that brought Jr Griffey to the Reds).
McLain got some PT at CF, not 3B, in Arizona and has never played 3B but played a full D1 season in CF at UCLA. He is the2B unless they move him to CF.
McLain did play one game at 3B in AFL. He also played 11 games at 3B at UCLA, and another 18 games at 3B in the Cape Cod League. At all levels he’s played 53 G in CF and 30 G at 3B.
Old School. I remember you mentioning that interview. I saw a guy on TikTok who claims to be a former sports agent (he has over 1 million followers) who insisted Matt McLain will be the Reds CF in 2025. I referenced the interview you mentioned and he said the Reds GM didn’t know what he was talking about. I checked back in with him after the Hays signing and now he is back tracking saying there is no way McLain will be in CF. Lol.
@Tom D. Thanks for the McLain 3b data. Never fails. I used Baseball Cube because they usually have college stuff, but for whatever reason they did not have collegiate/ fall stuff on him. And the new section in BBRef does have it. 😉
The main improvement we made is Tito for #25. That’s immeasurable. You figure we added McLain and CES basically too.. upgraded the depth with support pieces like Lux Hays (Alex) Trevino. Singer is solid #3/4 and bullpen is serviceable. Given the Central is the weakest division we SHOULD be in mix for a toe in water October. Once you’re in ANYTHING can happen. We’ve all said this before needed desperately a POWER BAT in middle of order but thats obviously not happening now till they see the July Rental market . It all bodes for optimism. The key is health and of course the POSITIVE IMPACT of TITO over what we’ve just lived through
“The main improvement we made is Tito for #25. That’s immeasurable.”
Can’t argue with that.
If it’s immeasurable how can we say it’s the biggest improvement?
We just KNOW. 😀
Exactly. 60 years of playing managing coaching umpiring sponsoring watching and trophy polishing is how its measured. We know… just trust
I find your lack of faith in Tito Francona disturbing. 😉
Seriously, Francona will be a good manager, but it is hard to muster objective evidence that he will absolutely make a huge difference, all by himself.
I see him being more of a positive influence, to get players to play better. I don’t know what David Bell’s personal relation was like with the Front Office, but I don’t think Francona will be shy about telling them what he thinks about the final 26 man roster, and other things.
C’mon, Melvin. It’s January 31st. We are running out of things to argue about …
@DaveCT – So tired of the off season. Let’s play ball! 😀
David, on Tito…
Look at our record last year in one run games. We are building a better pen in 2025. Better pen use and possibly less position change in late innings are things a manager can control.
Yes health is the big thing, some return to 2023 will help, but this team is ripe for leadership change
My recollection is that in 2023, the Reds did well in one run games.
The Guardians struggled during Tito’s last couple years in Cleveland. He is an upgrade over Bell, but it ultimately comes down to the players.
Sure. He’s the equivalent of getting Shohei Ohtani. Tommy Thrall said so.
Richard, and Thom Brennamen flatly declared Michael Lorenzen was the best hitter on the club.
I think the Reds offseason hasn’t been bad. They made some interesting trades adding new pieces and substracting a few others and reached a deal with Austin Hay and Wade Miley all of that added to Francona’s hiring. Although, in my opinion, the team continues without an obvious cleanup hitter who could be the player to boost the lineup and protect others hitters such as EDLC and McLain. Austin Hays if healthy will help a lot but maybe is not enough.. We should wait on the offense side for the performances of Candelario, CES, Steer, even McLain after losing all 2024 to expect the Reds being a NLCD contender..
ODR: Greene, Martinez, Singer, Lodolo, Abbott; Díaz, Moll, Pagán, Rogers, Santillan, Suter + 2; Stephenson, Treviño; Candelario, EDLC, Espinal, Lux, McLain, CES/Marte; Fraley, Friedl, Hays, Steer, Benson/Fairchild.
There is a good chance CES is the power RH bat we need.
AGREE Ozzie. Great call. Could be
Hopefully, you are right. But he really struggled last season before the injury was found. We will have to wait and see if the poor performance was due to the injury or opposing pitchers finding his vulnerabilities. Could be either or both.
I agree. Until I saw CES up close in Arizona last spring from a really good seat, I had no idea how strong he is through his core.
CES had an OPS of 1.103 in college and .990 in MiLB, and after his first dozen games in Cincinnati in 2023, he slashed .281/.338/.514. He had a bad wrist last season, but he had a normal off-season free of injury. He has never not produced when healthy.
I think he starts at first base on Opening Day.
@ Old Big Ed
I do recall some people here calling for EDLC to maybe start at AAA last season to help him get better at strike zone recognition, etc.
If CES is physically ok, he will produce. He is a hoss.
The more I read the posts of my beloved fellow Reds fanatics the more I change my narrow viewpoints. I believe both Marte, Benson, Dunn, and Hinds start 2025 in Louisville. I’m have the same opinion that the less platooning and shuffling players from position to position is best. Spencer Steer is our most versatile player being able to handle corner OFs, 3B, 2B, 1B, and DH!! He’s our super sub utility Ben Zobrist type who can play almost every day at a different position. I know it’s almost blasphemous to even suggest that EDLC perhaps the most physically gifted SS MLB has ever seen, but if he’d move to 3B until Marte is ready or Sal Stewart or Cam Collier it would place Matt McLain at SS and Gavin Lux at 2B thus enhancing our overall defense. Ideally CES comes into Spring Training and shows he’s ready to play 1B!! Candy becomes our almost everyday DH and his supposed defensive liabilities are eliminated. Fraley can platoon in LF with Fairchild or perhaps super sub Steer. Friedl CF with perhaps Fairchild when he needs a day off or faces a tough LH pitcher. Austin Hays who has a better OF arm is our RF. Here’s my revised batting order: McLain SS, Friedl CF, EDLC 3B, Stephenson C, Candalario DH, CES 1B, Lux 2B, Hays RF, and Fraley LF. Of course Steer needs to play as much as possible and LF is our weakest position so playing there in the place of Fraley against LH Starters is preferable.
1B: CES, Steer
2B: Lux, Steer, Espinal
SS: McLain, Espinal
3B: EDLC, Steer
LF: Fraley, Steer, Fairchild
CF: Friedl, Fairchild
RF: Hays, Steer, Fraley
DH: Candalario, Steer, Stephenson
C: Stephenson, Trevino
Of course I trust Terry Francona will utilize his talent much better than me!!
Here’s an at large question – how much more valuable is 3b defense over 2d defense? 2b has been devalued the past few decades, but turning a DP is still valuable.
The issue arises if we begin to see lots of late inning defensive moves – namely EDLC going to 3b and McLain to SS. I’ll be surprised if McLain gets much time in CF, and very surprised if he goes to 3b at all. Also don’t see EDLC playing more than 1 or 2 innings at a time anywhere other than SS, but I can see them moving the strong defense to the left side of the infield late in games.
@Optimist, I don’t think it’s less important to be a good defender at 2B than it is at 3B, but I think it’s easier to be a competent 2B than a competent 3B.
Until India was traded, I saw India as the 2B, and Arroyo as a midseason replacement in India’s final season, 2026. Now if Lux is our 2B, it’s the same formula since we only have control of Lux through the 2026 season.
In my ideal setup I have McLain in CF, and EDLC at SS. In 2026 Arroyo likely comes up as a backup middle infielder or a midseason replacement for Lux.
Then you have our 3 best fielders up the middle going forward.
SS EDLC, 2B Arroyo, CF McLain.
Hopefully between CES, Marte, Collier, and Stewart we can find 2 solid options for the corners by 2026 as well.
Extend Stephenson, and then that leaves the corner OF as the only big question mark imo.
The ideal 2nd baseman and the ideal 3rd baseman are two different players, We could all come up with a reasonable list of the differences, so I won’t do that. With the banning of extreme shifts, 2nd base has regained importance defensively, and I’f imagine that a 2nd baseman would, on average, be involved in more plays than a 3rd baseman. but many of them are easier.
Espinal can play 3rd base, but he does have kind of a weak arm (for third base). He is a whiz at 2nd base, though.
If Matt McLain can play SS, he can probably play 3rd base, if he sets his mind to it.
Some of the throws are a little longer, but you do need a strong arm to play SS.
Marte will get a real chance to win the position (3rd base) in Spring Training, as will Jeimer Candelario. If Marte doesn’t hit well, then he will be going to AAA level this year. I think he has at least one option left, as does Will Benson.
Jeimer Candelario can play third base, but he kind of has a glove that goes “clank” in the night.
Be surprising if Marte is in MLB before June. Candy will likely get the most innings at 3b, but it will be a group effort. My question is based on taking Candy/Steer/whoever off of 3rd for the final 2 innings, move Espinal to 2b and McLain/EDLC one spot leftward. Steer played quite a bit of 3b earlier, but not last season – since Marte took over there. I think Steer splits his time 4 ways – 1b, 3b, RF, LF. Everyone else plays 2 spots at most.
CLT, I definitely agree that the less platooning and shuffling that is done the better. In regards to Elly playing 3B, I don’t think that will happen.
Here’s my best guess at the opening day lineup and how the rest of the roster will look.
CF FRIEDL
2B MCLAIN
SS DE LA CRUZ
3B STEER
C STEPHENSON DH CANDELARIO
1B CES
LF LUX
RF HAYS
BENCH:
TREVINO
ESPINAL
FRALEY
FAIRCHILD
STARTERS:
GREENE
MARTINEZ
LODOLO
SINGER
LOWDER
BULLPEN:
DIAZ
ROGERS
SANTILLAN
MOLL
PAGAN
SUTER
ASHCRAFT
ABBOTT
I think this team will go to the playoffs. The young talent is much better than most people are guessing. The manager is a great and will get the best out of this team.
I wish we could say “the young talent is better than most people are guessing,” but no one knows if it’s better or worse … so all anyone can do is guess.
Agree with one stipulation – if they stay healthy.
CES is a good example of an underrated player. Yes, he underperformed last year, but remember he was injured. If he stays healthy, he will hit over thirty HR’s with potential of more than 40. He has plus power. Look for many long HR’s off his bat. McClain is back and will be a star. De La Cruz is a superstar. Look at the starting pitching. The young starting pitchers for the Reds do get respect, but I think they will prove to be one of the best lineup of starters in baseball this year. The team will become known for good young starters. The relievers will carry their weight as well. No, I do not think the relief pitching is great, but I think they are more than “serviceable” and will be solid this year. The fielding will be greatly improved and there will be few teams with more speed on the bases. The manager is one of the best in the game. The team will play the game the way it should be played under this manager’s leadership. Go Reds!
I hope you’re right. However, let’s tap the brakes on absolutes. This team is full of ???????????s. Is CES a reliable mlb hitter …. or a minor-league phenom? Is McLain the player we saw for a partial season two years ago … or a “might’ve been” plagued by injuries? Can Steer improve on .225 … or not? Is the outfield situation as mediocre as it appears … or slightly better … or worse? Is Gavin Lux a solid everyday player … or another utilityman forced into being an everyday player? Is Marte … what is Marte? Will Candy hit a double every week, thereby making some posters here very pleased? Will Francona make a difference?
That said, I do think the starting pitching could be stellar.
Admirable optimism, William. I think JohhnySofa is right–the team is almost entirely questions at this point–but perhaps the questions will have good answers and we’ll all have a good season. Hope springs eternal.
Something tells me the Reds are not done yet. I expect another move or two before full squad workouts on Feb. 17th.
This is a pretty cool promotional film from the Reds (1959) that someone on YT uploaded. It’s a fun watch while we wait for spring training to start. Enjoy.
https://youtu.be/eekyJOsHSpo?si=2Mjq5aU8sdDejgg0
One of the interesting things about that team was Don Newcombe. I believe he was the 1st black pitcher in MLB. Definitely remembered for his time on the Dodgers but he was phenomenal for the Reds too. 2nd on the team in WAR to some guy name Frank Robinson with 4.9.
Maui: I think Satchell Paige beat him to MLB by a year. I remember Newk well; saw him at Crosley Field a time or two.
Thanks for posting!! I love it!
Sorry actually 3rd. Missed Vada Pinson’s big year. He actually led the team in WAR as a rookie.