The Cincinnati Reds have been proactive this offseason. They executed several strategic roster moves post-November 4, 2024. The moves enhance their competitiveness in the National League Central for the 2025 season. This comprehensive analysis delves into these key transactions. It provides statistical insights. These insights assess how these changes position the Reds relative to their division rivals. —the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Reds Key Offseason Acquisitions:
The Reds may not have been spending money like the Los Angeles Dodgers. They were not grabbing big names like the New York Mets. They were very strategic with their moves this offseason addressing areas of need heading into the new season.
Jose Trevino (Catcher): On December 20, 2024, the Reds acquired Jose Trevino from the New York Yankees. They traded right-handed pitcher Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson. Trevino, an All-Star and Gold Glove winner in 2022, is renowned for his elite pitch-framing skills. In the 2024 season, he posted a .248 batting average with nine home runs and 39 RBI over 116 games. His defensive prowess is expected to enhance the Reds’ pitching staff’s effectiveness. Tyler Stephenson is the team’s starting Catcher. The addition of Trevino allows Stephenson to get some rest. It will also give him time at DH this coming season.
Brady Singer (Right-Handed Pitcher): On November 22, 2024, the Reds acquired pitcher Brady Singer. They traded him from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer. Singer, entering his sixth MLB season, pitched 179.2 innings in 2024, achieving a 3.71 ERA with 170 strikeouts. His addition bolsters the Reds’ starting rotation, providing a reliable arm capable of delivering quality innings.
Gavin Lux (Infielder): On January 6, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds made a significant move. They acquired infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers. In exchange, they traded outfield prospect Mike Sirota and a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick. Lux, a talented 27-year-old, bounced back from his 2023 ACL injury to deliver a solid 2024 season, hitting .251 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI while contributing to the Dodgers’ championship run. Known for his versatility, Lux primarily plays second base. He can also slot into multiple infield positions. This gives the Reds valuable flexibility. His left-handed bat adds balance to the lineup, and his ability to consistently get on base (.326 career OBP) makes him a strong addition to the offense. With the departure of Jonathan India, Lux becomes a key part of the Reds’ infield. He brings energy and championship experience. The team aims to take a big step forward in 2025. It will be interesting to see how Lux is utilized this year by the Reds.
Taylor Rogers (Left-Handed Pitcher): On January 29, 2025, the Reds acquired left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers. They received him from the San Francisco Giants. In return, they exchanged minor league right-hander Braxton Roxby. Rogers, 34, recorded a 2.40 ERA over 64 relief appearances in 2024. With a career strikeout rate of 10.5 per nine innings, his presence strengthens the Reds’ bullpen, particularly in high-leverage situations.
Brent Suter (Left-Handed Pitcher): The Reds re-signed Suter to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. Known for his versatility, Suter can function both as a starter and reliever. In the previous season, he maintained a 3.78 ERA over 81 innings, demonstrating reliability and depth in the pitching roster.
Wade Miley (Left-Handed Pitcher): Signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, Miley offers veteran experience. Although limited by injuries in 2024, he has a career ERA of 4.15 and could provide valuable innings if he returns to form.
Austin Hays (Outfielder): Signed a one-year contract worth five Million dollars with an additional Million available in incentives. The 29-year-old outfielder is a right-hand hitter. He played for the Baltimore Orioles for his entire career. He was traded last July 26th to the Philadelphia Phillies. Last year Hays was riddled with injuries keeping him to play in only 85 games due to injury batting .255 with five home runs, 20 RBI, and a .699 OPS last year. The Red see potential in Hays. They hope he can return to his 2023 form. Hays made the All-Star game for the Orioles that year and finished the season hitting .275 with 22 home runs, 67 RBI, and a .769 OPS in 144 games.
Terry Francona (New Manager): The two-time World Series-winning coach was hired to lead this young Reds Core. He signed a three-year contract with a club option for the fourth year. Francona previously coached the Cleveland Guardians for 11 years. He stepped away following the 2023 season to manage his health. Before joining the Guardians, he coached in Boston for the Red Sox. The team ended their 86-year World Series drought by sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals. This happened after they came back from a 0-3 deficit against the divisional rival New York Yankees. Francona has a proven track record for success and should be a perfect fit for this Reds team.
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Reds Key Offseason Departures:
Jonathan India (Infielder): The 2021 National League Rookie of the Year was traded to the Kansas City Royals. Over four seasons with the Reds, India amassed 63 home runs and 229 RBI. His career batting average was .253, and he had a .764 OPS. His departure was rumored for a good portion of last season’s offseason. Fortunately for the Reds, they kept him on the team. They considered Matt McLain, who missed last year with injuries. With McLain in the fold hopefully fully healthy, India being moved to strengthen the rotation makes a lot of sense.
Amed Rosario (Outfielder): After being designated for assignment, Rosario elected free agency. He contributed a .265 batting average with seven home runs and 45 RBIs last season. His exit opens opportunities for emerging talents in the outfield as well as to make room for healthy talent returning. Rosario joined the team mid-season last year. He was added to provide depth. The team was hit hard by injuries all over the diamond last year.
Reds Comparative Analysis with NL Central Rivals:
St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals have had a relatively quiet offseason, focusing on internal development and minor roster tweaks. Their core lineup will still consist of young talented players like Masyn Wynn, Lars Nootbaar, and Jordan Walker. However, Paul Goldschmidt is gone. The team also seems set on trading Nolan Arenado ahead of the season. St. Louis hasn’t added much but looks to be losing another veteran leader in the clubhouse.
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs have been aggressive this offseason. They acquired reliever Ryan Pressly and Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in two separate deals this off-season. Pressly, 36, had a 3.49 ERA last season. He is expected to take on the closer role. This will strengthen a bullpen that faced challenges in 2024. Tucker will hit in the top third of the Cubs lineup. He will play right field for the Cubs. This move shifts Seiya Suzuki to the DH spot. Cody Bellinger’s departure opens the position for Pete Crow Armstrong to roam center field at Wrigley this year. Overall, the Cubs improved even with Bellinger’s move to the New York Yankees this offseason.
Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers traded away key reliever Devin Williams to the New York Yankees. This move signals a potential shift toward rebuilding. This move could impact their bullpen’s effectiveness in the upcoming season. In return, they received Nester Cortes. He should slide right behind Freddy Peralta in the starting rotation this year. Losing their Closer was a tough pill to swallow. The Brewers will also miss Willy Adames, who joined the San Francisco Giants in free agency. His departure will change the look of the Brewers lineup this year. Adames hit .251 with 32 home runs, 33 doubles, and 112 RBI last year for the Brewers. That’s a lot of production missing from this year’s lineup.
Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates have been strategic this offseason. They made moves to strengthen their roster. However, they also faced some key departures. One notable acquisition was first baseman Spencer Horwitz. They got him from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor-league pitching depth. Horwitz, a disciplined hitter with a strong contact approach, hit .284 with a .372 OBP in limited major league action last season. He can get on base and provide consistent at-bats. This should bolster the Pirates’ lineup. The team has been searching for more offensive production at first base.
On the flip side, the Pirates lost veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman in free agency, a blow to their bullpen. Chapman, who posted a 3.45 ERA with 85 strikeouts in 57 innings last season, was a key late-inning arm for Pittsburgh. His departure leaves a gap in high-leverage situations, putting more pressure on younger relievers to step up. The Pirates are still building toward long-term success. Their offseason moves indicate a focus on adding controllable talent. They must navigate some key losses. The Pirates signed veteran outfielder Tommy Pham to a one-year deal worth $4.025 million. Pham, 36, brings experience but had a modest .248 batting average with nine home runs and 39 RBIs in 2024. His addition aims to bolster an otherwise young roster.
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Wrap up: 2025 Cincinnati Reds
This season, the Reds have all the pieces in place to seriously compete for the National League Central crown. The Pittsburgh Pirates boast two of the league’s most exciting young arms in Paul Skenes and Jared Jones. However, their lineup still lacks the firepower to contend over a full season. Meanwhile, the Brewers and Cardinals could face challenges. This situation leaves the door open for an exciting battle between the Reds and Cubs for the division title.
For the Reds, health and player development will be the X-factors. Hunter Greene, the team’s ace, continues to evolve as a dominant force on the mound. He is coming off a season where he posted a 4.37 ERA with 177 strikeouts in 146 innings. If he takes another step forward, he could be one of the league’s premier starters. Likewise, Nick Lodolo’s ability to stay healthy is crucial. The lefty showed ace-level potential in 2023. However, injuries limited him. In his last full season, he recorded a 3.66 ERA with 131 strikeouts in 103.1 innings, demonstrating his ability to miss bats at an elite level.
On the offensive side, this Reds lineup will be formidable. Austin Hays, TJ Friedl, and Matt McLain need to stay on the field. It has the depth and balance to challenge opposing pitchers all year long. Under new management, this team has a fresh energy. It also has a clear vision. With the right mix of health and continued development, the Reds are poised to make a serious postseason push. Expect a division race that could come down to the final week. The Reds have every opportunity to secure their spot in October.
