What would a successful season look like for the Reds in 2025?

The Cincinnati Reds entered the 2024 season riding a wave of optimism. After an impressive 20-win turnaround from the previous year, expectations were high. Fans and analysts alike believed the Reds were poised to become a legitimate postseason contender.

But baseball, as it often does, had other plans. Instead of competing for a playoff berth, the Reds found themselves essentially limping through their campaign battling an even tougher opponent: injuries.

A staggering number of key players spent significant time on the injured list, derailing the team’s momentum before it ever truly got going. Here’s just glimpse of their valuable assets bitten by the injury bug:

• Matt McLain: Shoulder injury (missed the entire season)
• Christian Encarnacion-Strand: Fractured right wrist (played in only 29 games)
• TJ Friedl: Wrist fracture, left thumb fracture, hamstring injury (three trips to the IL)
• Noelvi Marte: 80-game suspension (performance-enhancing substances)
• Brandon Williamson: Shoulder strain, Tommy John surgery (ended the season on 60-day IL)
• Nick Lodolo: Numerous injuries (four separate trips to the IL)
• Graham Ashcraft: Elbow strain (placed on 60-day IL in July)
• Ian Gibaut: Forearm strain (only pitched in two games)

Even as Elly De La Cruz continued his ascension toward superstardom, the Reds lacked the depth and durability to sustain a winning campaign. Over-reliance on one player, no matter how big of an impact, is rarely a winning formula in a team sport like baseball.

What would a successful season look like for the Reds in 2025?

Turning the page to 2025, the Reds' priority is clear: stay healthy and capitalize on a roster built for contention. The hiring of legendary manager Terry Francona signals that the organization believes it is ready to take the next step. A two-time World Series champion and three-time Manager of the Year, Francona wouldn’t have taken the job if he didn’t see potential in Cincinnati.

If the Reds are going to meet the lofty expectations set for them, they’ll need contributions from a lineup at full-strength and a pitching staff eager to prove itself.

1. Dynamic and dangerous middle infield of Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain

A rejuvenated McLain returns to join forces with De La Cruz, giving the Reds a middle infield duo with elite power-speed upside. If McLain can stay on the field and De La Cruz continues his upward trajectory, Cincinnati could have a duo that will each flirt with a 30-30 season while also providing a deadly double play combination.

2. Reds starting rotation takes the next step

The Reds’ starting rotation will be led by Hunter Greene. Alongside him, Lodolo is a prime breakout candidate, assuming he can stay off the IL. While the rotation hasn’t been a consistent threat, the addition of Brady Singer, a young arm  like Andrew Abbott and if one of their riches of arms in their deep farm take the next step, the outlook on this unit could change in a heartbeat.

3. The Reds bullpen has something to prove

The Reds’ relief corps enters 2025 with a chip on its shoulder. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the bullpen in 2024, but a healthier unit should offer more stability. Converting Graham Ashcraft into a reliever in a bullpen out to prove themselves will also be critical in shortening games. And if Alexis Díaz can reclaim his dominant form, Cincinnati could have the firepower to lock down close games.

4. Can the Reds withstand a competitive NL Central?

The Reds will need to be sharp from Opening Day. The NL Central won’t make things easy. However, the division comes with it's own uncertainties:

• Milwaukee Brewers: They’ve lost their best hitter (Willy Adames) and dominant closer (Devin Williams), leaving question marks in key areas.
• St. Louis Cardinals & Pittsburgh Pirates: Both teams showed flashes of promise in 2024 but have their own hurdles to overcome.
• Chicago Cubs: Current division favorites after adding perennial All-Star Kyle Tucker and boasting a strong rotation.

If the Reds are to leapfrog a couple of these teams and make a serious postseason push, staying healthy and maintaining consistency will be key.

The Reds’ ceiling for 2025 could be as high as 90 wins, which should almost certainly put them in the playoff hunt. If that happens, Francona would be a frontrunner for his fourth Manager of the Year award, and McLain and De La Cruz could be flirting with the aforementioned 30-30 seasons.

Even if they fall short of that mark, an 85-win season would represent significant progress and keep them competitive in the NL Wild Card race. But in a National League featuring powerhouses like the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies. Along with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks who have recently stayed in the hunt, even 85 wins might not be enough to secure a postseason berth.

Regardless, the Reds are trending in the right direction. The pieces are in place for a breakthrough season, and now it’s up to them to capitalize on their opportunity. The 2025 campaign is not just another season — it’s a chance for the Reds to announce themselves as true contenders. The road ahead won’t be easy, but the potential for something special is undeniable.

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