5 Reds players who shouldn't be so quickly cast aside heading into 2025

Let's face it, sports fans can be quite fickle. If a first-round draft pick doesn't turn into an All-Star —and fast — the dissent among the fanbase grows. Fans will quickly use words like overrated, bust, and other remarks when players don't measure up to their draft status or the free agent contract they signed.

But few players get it right every time. Stick around the game of baseball long enough and you'll see players who've been perennial All-Stars look like rookies all over again. By the same token, some of those so-called busts finally figure things out and go on to have solid major league careers.

For the Cincinnati Reds, not every player lived up to the billing in 2024. But Reds fans shouldn't be so quick to just cast aside some of the organization's top talent following a disappointing performance last season.

5 Reds players who shouldn't be so quickly cast aside heading into 2025

Rece Hinds, Reds outfielder

Rece Hinds burst onto the scene before the All-Star break, then quickly faded after a power-packed start to his big league career. The physical gifts are there, and if Hinds can fix the gargantuan hole in his swing, the Reds might be able to end that search for a right-handed hitting outfielder.

Noelvi Marte, Reds infielder

No player in the entire Reds' organization is happier to put 2024 in the rearview mirror more than Noelvi Marte. The highly-skilled infielder came on strong in 2023, but fell apart after missing time to start the season following a PED suspension. Marte will have to earn his starting job when spring training begins.

Jeimer Candelario, Reds infielder

Injuries sidetracked Jeimer Candelario during his first season in Cincinnati. The Reds fanbase is fearful of witnessing Mike Moustakas 2.0, and the only way that Candelario can get that idea out of their heads is to outperform his numbers from 2024. A healthy version of Candelario could be Cincinnati's best option at third base next season.

Lyon Richardson, Reds pitcher

Don't forget that Lyon Richardson missed two full seasons of development. Richardson — and every other minor leaguer — missed the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, and an injury robbed him of the opportunity to take the field 2022. Walks have been a problem for the right-hander, but to dismiss his potential would be foolish. But it's reaching put-up or shut-up time for Richardson after injuries sidelined him once again in 2024.

Graham Ashcraft, Reds pitcher

The worst kept secret in Cincinnati is Graham Ashcraft's likely move to the bullpen. No one has gone on record and said as much, but this is move that's been whispered about for the past year. Ashcraft will likely still be part of the rotation when spring training begins, but if everyone is healthy, it's difficult to see the right-hander breaking camp as a starter. Ashcraft, however, could turn into a top-tier reliever with his cutter/ slider combo.

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