3 Reds players who stunned everyone with breakout seasons in 2025

Terry Francona's first season in Cincinnati has to be considered a success. Though there were definitely some bumps along the way, Francona helped lead the Cincinnati Reds back to the MLB playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Francona was able to get the very best out of his players, including a handful who were little more than an afterthought when the season began. Which three Reds players stunned the fanbase with their breakout campaigns in 2025?

3 Reds players who stunned everyone with breakout seasons in 2025

Tony Santillan, Reds pitcher

Tony Santilian was arguably the Reds best pitcher this past season, and at the very least, their most reliable reliever. Santillan took the ball every time Francona asked, and nine times out of 10, was able to get the job done. Santillan was second to only New York Mets reliever Tyler Rogers in relief appearances (80) this past season.

Santillan was outrighted off the Reds roster in 2024, but has now become an indispensable piece of the bullpen heading into 2026. Whether or not Santillan is elevated to the level of closer is yet to be determined, but he'll certainly be in the discussion heading into Goodyear next spring.

Noelvi Marte, Reds outfielder

Noelvi Marte was buried on the Reds' depth chart after last season's collapse. The 23-year-old was busted for PED use in 2024, and had one of the worst statistical seasons in all of Major League Baseball upon his return. Marte posted a .210/.248/.301 slash line and was worth -1.4 bWAR in 2024.

Fast forward to this past season, and Marte's numbers took a big leap forward. After being left off the Reds Opening Day roster, Marte received a midseason call-up, and following a position change, became an indispensable piece of the Reds outfield. The Reds may have finally found their power-hitting outfielder heading into next season.

Chase Burns, Reds pitcher

Chase Burns wasn't even remotely on the Reds' radar this past season. Sure, given his pedigree, it was possible that Burns could've been considered for a September call-up, but few fans expected him to become a fixture in the starting rotation midway through the 2025 season.

Burns will now head into spring training looking to secure a spot in the Opening Day rotation. Though his inaugural season was slowed by injury and a temporary move to the bullpen, Burns cemented his spot on the Reds roster heading into 2026.

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