Bold predictions for the 2025 Cincinnati Reds season

The Cincinnati Reds' 2025 season is about to get underway, and the fanbase hasn't been this excited in about 15 years. The Reds roster should be able to compete with any team in the division, and Cincinnati has one of the best, young farm systems in the game.

After breaking out in 2024, both Hunter Greene and Elly De La Cruz are ready to use their superstar status to help elevate the Reds to heights they've not seen in 30 years. While making it back to the postseason is a fine goal, Reds Country is dying to see their favorite team win a playoff series — something they haven't done since 1995.

With that, let's take a peek at some bold predictions (sure to go wrong) for the Reds 2025 season.

Bold predictions for the 2025 Cincinnati Reds season

1. Christian Encarnacion-Strand hits 42 home runs and finishes fifth in the NL MVP voting

There's so much excitement surrounding the return of Matt McLain, but Encarnacion-Strand's absence was also a major hit to the Reds' lineup last season. Encarnacion-Strand has the potential to be a Gold Glove defender at first base. That, and his prodigious power will push Encarnacion-Strand into the MVP conversation, as the Reds first baseman outshines De La Cruz during his first full (and healthy) season in the big leagues.

2. Reds rookie Chase Burns receives a call-up in September, but not as a starter

Burns was drafted just last year, but will make his MLB debut in 2025. But in an effort to maximize his production and keep his pitch count manageable, the Reds will use Burns as a weapon late in games. Reds manager Terry Francona will have his compliment of flamethrowers at the backend of the Reds bullpen with Burns, Zach Maxwell, Tony Santillan, and Graham Ashcraft bringing the heat.

3. Rece Hinds becomes the Reds' everyday right fielder and hits 25 home runs in 2025

At the moment, the Reds outfield is questionable at best. A group of TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, and Austin Hays is solid, but extremely underwhelming. Look for Hinds to get white-hot at the outset of the minor-league season and force his way onto the Reds active roster. Unlike last season, Hinds won't slow down and will put up unbelievable numbers during the second-half of the 2025 season.

4. Connor Phillips takes over as the Reds closer by the end of the season

It's a make-or-break season for Phillips, and he knows it. This is the year that it finally clicks, for the talented Reds right-hander. With the foolish notion of being a frontline starter now behind him, Phillips will become a stalwart performer at the backend of the bullpen and take over closer duties from Alexis Diaz by midseason.

5. Reds trade Edwin Arroyo, Adam Serwinowski & Leo Balcazar to White Sox for Luis Robert Jr.

If the Reds really want to make some noise in the postseason, they're going to need a boost to the outfield. Restarting the conversation with the Chicago White Sox to land Robert should be on Nick Krall's agenda this season. Look for Chicago to lower their demands a touch, and Cincy to up their offer, throwing in two high-upside prospects (Serwinowski and Balcazar) in order to seal the deal.

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