8 questions the Cincinnati Reds must answer in 2025

It's Opening Day and the Cincinnati faithful are excited for a new season of what Reds Country hopes is a return to October baseball in the Queen City. As the Cincinnati Reds prepare for the 2025 season, anticipation is high as they turn the page on a 2024 campaign riddled with injuries and inconsistency.

While the young core remains promising and several offseason additions have bolstered the roster, numerous questions remain as the Reds hope to emerge as serious contenders in a competitive NL Central.

8 questions the Cincinnati Reds must answer in 2025

1. Can the Reds stay healthy?

Without question, the Reds’ biggest roadblock in 2024 was the team's overall health. Injuries plagued the roster, derailing a season that initially looked promising. Key players like Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and TJ Friedl all missed significant time, leaving gaps in both the lineup and the field.

Heading into 2025, the Reds are already coming in depleted. Austin Hays, Tyler Stephenson, Andrew Abbott, and Alexis Diaz are all sidelined with lingering concerns. However, with a new infield duo and a more balanced lineup, the Reds have positioned themselves to be more resilient. If this team can avoid another injury-plagued year, their talent alone could put them in the thick of the NL playoff race.

2. Who steps up to lead the Reds starting rotation?

The Reds’ starting rotation is filled with potential, but consistency remains a question. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Abbott have all shown flashes of dominance, while highly regarded prospect Rhett Lowder is ready to take on his first full season in the rotation. However, growing pains and injury concerns have kept this group from reaching it's full potential.

Nick Martinez should provide stability, both as an experienced arm in the rotation and as a mentor to the Red's younger pitchers. Strategically managing their starters' workloads should also be in play, incorporating spot starts with their added depth of starters to keep them fresh. The question is, can this young rotation stay durable and provide the consistency the team needs?

3. Will the Reds bullpen finally stabilize?

Cincinnati’s bullpen has been up and down in recent seasons, featuring strong moments of dominance followed by inconsistent stretches. While Díaz has been one of the better closers in baseball at times, concerns remain about his effectiveness and command in high-leverage situations. The Reds were proactive this offseason by adding Taylor Rogers and Scott Barlow, while also converting Graham Ashcraft into a reliever to help fortify the pen.

However, with Díaz’s injury status uncertain, the bullpen’s ability to hold leads and shorten games will be crucial in determining the Reds’ success. If struggles persist, they should explore trade options or dip into their deep farm system for additional relief arms.

4. Can Elly De La Cruz cut down the strikeouts?

De La Cruz is one of the most popular and electrifying young players in baseball, but his high strikeout rate has continued to raise concerns. While he made slight improvements from his 33.7% K rate in 2023 to 31.3% in 2024, further refinement is needed the issue to become an afterthought.

One of the biggest debates surrounding his development is whether he should remain a switch-hitter or focus solely on batting left-handed, where his metrics have shown more promise. If De La Cruz can cut down on strikeouts and improve his plate discipline, he has the potential to carry the Reds' offense in their time of need.

5. Do the Reds have enough offensive firepower?

Despite their immense young talent, the Reds finished in the middle of the pack offensively in 2024. Their lineup boasts plenty of potential, but the consistency of their offensive production remains in question. The outfield (not including Spencer Steer who spends time at both corner infield and first base) is solid defensively, but isn’t known for producing elite power numbers.

The Reds need more consistent contributions throughout the lineup to ensure they aren’t relying on just a handful of bats to carry the team. If their offensive struggles continue, they may need to explore midseason trade options to bring in additional firepower.

6. Can the Reds keep up with the Brewers and Cubs?

The NL Central is shaping up to be a fierce battleground in 2025. The Chicago Cubs have aggressively improved their roster, strengthening both their rotation and lineup, while the Milwaukee Brewers — though expected to take a small step back — remain a legitimate threat.

The Reds will likely need to outpace one of these two teams if they want a shot at the postseason. With the talent in place, the Reds could be poised to make a statement, but it will require sustained success over the course of a long season.

7. How aggressive will the Reds front office be at the trade deadline?

One of the Reds’ biggest assets is their deep farm system. However, that depth presents a dilemma — there simply aren’t enough major league roster spots for all their top prospects. The front office must decide whether to hold onto their young talent and commit to the long game, or use some of their prospect capital as trade chips to make a big move at the trade deadline.

If the Reds are in the mix for a playoff spot come July, will they be willing to part with some of their high-upside prospects to acquire an big time bat or a new bullpen anchor? Luis Robert Jr. would be a good place to start.

8. Is Terry Francona the right manager for this team?

The hiring of Terry Francona was one of the most significant moves the Reds made this offseason. A two-time World Series champion and three-time Manager of the Year, Francona brings an invaluable wealth of experience to a young team looking to take the next step.

While managerial influence in baseball isn’t as drastic as in the NFL or NBA, having a seasoned leader like Francona in the clubhouse could be a key factor in helping the Reds reach their full potential. That said, not every managerial fit is perfect. If the Reds stumble out of the gate or fail to meet expectations, questions about Francona’s impact will inevitably arise.

The 2025 season presents both promise and pressure for the Reds. How the Reds choose to answer these questions will determine whether they emerge as legitimate contenders or remain a team in transition. If health holds up, the rotation stabilizes, and the offense clicks, the Reds should most certainly be one of the most exciting teams to watch in 2025.