Aug 23, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) looks on from the on-deck circle against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Look: MLB Releases Reds Projected Lineup and Rotation for 2025 Season

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI
By Greg Kuffner | Last updated Feb 14, 2025 7:25 PM ET

The Reds had a busy offseason and are looking to bounce back in a big way after a disappointing 77-win season in 2024, which found them finishing fourth in the National League Central Division.

MLB released their opening day lineup and rotation projections for the Reds.

Lineup Projection

Matt McLain - 2B
Elly De La Cruz, SS
Tyler Stephenson, C
Spencer Steer, 1B
Jeimer Candelario, DH
TJ Friedl, CF
Gavin Lux, 3B
Austin Hays, LF
Jake Fraley, RF

Rotation

Hunter Greene
Brady Singer
Nick Martinez
Nick Lodolo
Rhett Lowder

The two things that jump out the most are Gavin Lux starting at third base and Rhett Lowder making the rotation over Andrew Abbott. The Reds have said they are going to try Lux at a number of different positions, third base being one of them, but he doesn't have a ton of experience at third base over his career.

Rhett Lowder is currently dealing with an injury and will miss the start of spring training. It would be interesting to see Lowder get the nod over Abbott, who is 18-16 with a 3.78 ERA over two big league seasons with the Reds.