2024-25 MLB Offseason Recap: Cincinnati Reds

After a 77-win season for the Reds, Cincinnati sought a major shakeup this winter after what could be considered a disappointing 2024 season. The Reds not only picked up a new manager but also bolstered both their pitching and hitting depth. Headlining the Reds’ offseason was the add of a standout pitcher from Kansas City: Brady Singer.

Notable Additions

• INF Cooper Bowman (Rule 5 Draft pick)
• RP Scott Barlow (0.2 bWAR in 2024)
• OF Austin Hays (-0.1 bWAR)
• INF Gavin Lux (2.1 bWAR)
• RP Taylor Rogers (1.1 bWAR)
• SP Brady Singer (3.1 bWAR)
• C Jose Trevino (0.5 bWAR)

Cincinnati made their first big pickup in October when the Reds hired Terry Francona to take over as the team’s manager. Francona brings a wealth of experience, as well as a strong resume that includes two World Series titles and five division titles.

After getting Francona, the Reds swung a trade to add sinkerballer Brady Singer from the Royals. Singer was, for the most part, a steady arm for Kansas City, one who fills the strike zone and can move the baseball. Rotation depth has been a problem for Cincinnati, and Singer provides stability.

However, the trade did cost the Reds Jonathan India, whose name appeared in trade rumors for the better part of two years thanks to the presence of both Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz.

To take India’s place on the Reds’ infield depth chart, Cincinnati acquired Gavin Lux from the Dodgers for Mike Sirota and a MLB Draft pick. Lux produced a 2.1 bWAR in 2024 — a number that somewhat sheds light on why WAR is a flawed stat — but fell out of favor in Los Angeles. His defense was under the microscope thanks to the arm strength and accuracy, while Lux’s bat never developed into what was expected.

Still, Lux has flashed good pop over his MLB career. He’ll move to a friendlier hitter environment.

Aside from those moves, the Reds focused on smaller depth adds. Jose Trevino, a former Platinum Glove winner, gives the Reds a reliable backup to Tyler Stephenson. Austin Hays, meanwhile, will hope for better results in Cincy after an injury-riddled 2024 and a power drought in Baltimore.

The Reds also gave their bullpen a different look, picking up Scott Barlow and Taylor Rogers.

Notable Losses

• RP Fernando Cruz (0.3 bWAR)
• RP Buck Farmer (1.7 bWAR)
• 1B Ty France (-0.6 bWAR, -0.4 bWAR with Reds)
• 2B Jonathan India (1.7 bWAR)
• RP Jakob Junis (1.2 bWAR)
• RP Lucas Sims (0.8 bWAR)
• RP Justin Wilson (-0.2 bWAR)

Jonathan India was a reliable leadoff man, one who could hit for power but more importantly, work counts to get on base. But as mentioned previously, the Reds had infield depth. Cincinnati used that depth to pad their rotation.

Cincinnati’s bullpen will look different. The Reds added arms but also moved on from arms. Buck Farmer is now with Atlanta on a Minor League deal, while Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson are both in Boston.

Fernando Cruz, one of the best strikeout relievers over the last two seasons, was shipped off to New York in the Trevino trade.

What to Expect

The NL Central is wide open and Reds, if their group can stay healthy, can be serious competitors for the top spot in the division.

Staying healthy hasn’t been an easy task for the Reds over the last two seasons. Nick Lodolo made 28 starts over the last two seasons, Matt McLain missed all of 2024, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand didn’t play for a healthy chunk of last year. And right now, the Reds are figuring out the status of Spencer Steer, who is dealing with shoulder problems.

But between the talent and upside of the Reds, a team that includes one of the most explosive hitters in baseball, coupled with an impressive list of starters, Cincinnati should be a strong group and finish in the top-three of the division.