Reds News: Rookie pitcher undergoes Tommy John, outfield upgrades, Elly De La Cruz

While a number of other ball clubs are readying for a deep run in the MLB Postseason, the Cincinnati Reds' offseason has already begun. The Reds got off to rather quick start after naming Terry Francona the team's manager following David Bell's dismissal with less than a week left in the 2024 season.

The Reds have already terminated the contracts of several coaches, and with their full focus on the impending offseason, Cincinnati will be looking to right the ship after a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Reds News: Rookie RHP Julian Aguiar underwent Tommy John surgery

The offseason did not get off to a great start for rookie pitcher Julian Aguiar. The right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list shortly before the regular season expired, and it appears as though the injury was rather severe. Aguiar has since undergone Tommy John surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow, and will miss the entire 2025 season.

Aguiar was called upon late in 2024 when the Reds were struggling to field a healthy starting staff. The 23-year-old started seven games and owned a 2-1 record with a 6.25 ERA. Aguiar would've been in the mix to be part of the Reds Opening Day rotation, but sadly that will not be part of the equation this spring.

Reds News: Nick Krall looking for more from the outfield in 2025

The Reds outfielders have officially been put on notice. According to Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall, "The outfield needs to get better." That's hardly a revelation, but it's nice to see that Krall and Co. understand that running out the same group of outfielders in 2025 would be unwise.

In all fairness, Spencer Steer was playing left field for the first time in his career and TJ Friedl missed half the season with various injuries. However, the group of Will Benson, Jake Fraley, Stuart Fairchild, and others were extremely underwhelming. It'll be interesting to see if Krall looks outside the organization to make some upgrades in the outfield this offseason.

Reds News: Elly De La Cruz will be Cincy's starting shortstop next season

For all those wanna be managers who think Elly De La Cruz should be moved to the outfield, you've been overridden. The Reds have no plans to move their young superstar off of shortstop, so expect to see De La Cruz back on the infield dirt in 2025.

Those advocating to see De La Cruz in the outfield have their reasons (and they're not entirely off base), but it would seem that Cincinnati's brass was happy with their shortstop's play last season. Though De La Cruz led the league in errors, he was also among the top 5 shortstops in baseball with 15 outs above average (OAA).

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