Key Offseason Changes
The Reds won 83 games and claimed a Wild Card spot in 2025 under manager Terry Francona, establishing themselves as a legitimate contender with one of baseball's best rotations. The front office focused on bullpen upgrades and maintaining rotation depth this offseason.
Emilio Pagan was re-signed on a two-year, $20M deal to close games. The bullpen was further bolstered with Pierce Johnson (3.05 ERA in 2025), Brock Burke, and Caleb Ferguson. A three-team trade brought Gavin Lux from the Angels, adding infield depth. Ke'Bryan Hayes was also acquired to shore up third base defense.
The rotation features Hunter Greene, 2025 All-Star Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer in the first four spots. Chase Burns, the #2 overall pick in 2024, is competing with Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson for the fifth rotation spot. Cincinnati used 12 different starters in 2025 due to injuries, making depth critical.
Projected Starting Lineup
| Order | Player | Position | Prop Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elly De La Cruz | SS | Generational talent, 30/60 potential |
| 2 | TJ Friedl | CF | Leadoff spark, speed/contact |
| 3 | Spencer Steer | 1B | Versatile bat, 25+ HR power |
| 4 | Rece Hinds | DH | Elite raw power, strikeout risk |
| 5 | Ke'Bryan Hayes | 3B | Gold Glove defense, contact bat |
| 6 | Will Benson | LF | Power potential, developing |
| 7 | Tyler Stephenson | C | Switch-hitter, solid bat |
| 8 | Tyler Callihan | 2B | Or Matt McLain when healthy |
| 9 | Blake Dunn | RF | Young bat, competing for time |
Elly De La Cruz is the centerpiece, a generational talent with 30/60 (HR/SB) potential who electrifies the lineup. Spencer Steer provides the most consistent bat with 25+ HR power from first base. Rece Hinds has elite raw power but comes with significant strikeout risk. Matt McLain could return to boost the lineup if healthy. The front office hopes several players bounce back from disappointing 2025 campaigns.
Projected Starting Rotation
| Slot | Pitcher | Throws | Prop Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP1 | Hunter Greene | R | 2024 All-Star, triple-digit velo |
| SP2 | Andrew Abbott | L | 2025 All-Star, elite command |
| SP3 | Nick Lodolo | L | High ceiling when healthy |
| SP4 | Brady Singer | R | Only starter to avoid IL in 2025 |
| SP5 | Chase Burns | R | #2 pick 2024, 100 mph, competing |
This is one of baseball's most talented rotations with All-Star-caliber arms at the top. Hunter Greene brings triple-digit velocity and strikeout upside. Andrew Abbott emerged as an All-Star in 2025 with pinpoint control. Nick Lodolo has ace potential when healthy. Brady Singer was the only starter to make every start without an IL trip in 2025. Chase Burns made a historic debut (first to strike out his first 5 batters in the expansion era) and competes with Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson for the fifth spot.
Bullpen & Closer Situation
Closer: Emilio Pagan returns on a two-year, $20M deal as the established ninth-inning option. His experience and proven ability to close games makes him a reliable saves target on a playoff-contending team.
Setup: Pierce Johnson was added after a solid 2025 (3.05 ERA, 59 K in 59 IP) with Atlanta. Caleb Ferguson provides lefty high-leverage depth, while Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft offer right-handed power arms. Connor Phillips has swing-and-miss stuff as a development option.
Development: Brandon Williamson could potentially serve as a bullpen option if he doesn't win the fifth starter spot, giving the Reds a quality left-handed arm. Brock Burke adds additional lefty depth.