Spring training stats need to be taken with a grain of salt, even so, the Reds put on a show this spring. One of the biggest disappointments of 2025 was Matt McLain. He struck out 1.14 times per game. Batted .220 with an OBP of .300. Not great if you ask me. Thankfully for Reds fans he lead all qualifying hitters (min. 50 AB, 15 IP) this spring in AVG, OBP, and OPS. He was tied with 2 others with 7 home runs for the spring lead. Let's hope that he stays this hot to open the season. With a pitching staff that is already down 2 of the best arms before the season even begins, the offense will have to carry this team early on. What a scary thought after watching last season.
The biggest disappointment for me heading into opening day is the fact Nick Lodolo can not seem to figure out how to throw with out getting a blister on his finger. He has been dealing with finger injuries for the last two seasons and a blister will sideline him for at least the beginning of a third. He is only on the 15-Day IL which keeps me optimistic he will only miss 2 or 3 starts and is back mid April.
The next disappointment is the obvious one. Hunter Greene. When healthy he is a Cy Young candidate with out a doubt. Unfortunately he is down until July is all goes well in recovery. What that means for the Reds is if they can stay competitive until then, Hunter comes back an gives a big boost to the staff. A team that will need to play well down the stretch to win a division that is always a battle will be like the Reds having an ace up their sleeve, literally.
The Reds still have a solid rotation don't get me wrong.
1.) Andrew Abbott
2.) Brady Singer
3.) Rhett Lowder
4.) Chase Burns
5.) Brandon Williamson
That is a rotation that can keep you in the division race into the all star break. Add in Greene to the mix after the break and that is a rotation that can win a division.
It will be interesting to see what the Reds do with Lodolo this season. I think he could be a name to keep your eyes on for a potential trade this season. With his constant injuries you can't trust him to be there for you when you need him most. It is hard to move off of 1st round picks having invested so much into them. But Lodolo is one I think you pull the trigger on and start listening to offers.
My goal is to post a prediction for the Reds games as well as a recap to the previous game.
Opening Day Prediction:
Reds: 5
Red Sox: 3
Stats:
Abbott: 5ip, 4H, 2R, 2BB, 8K
McLain: 2/4, 2B, RBI, Run
Elly: 1/3, Run, BB, SB
Suarez: 1/4, HR, 3RBI, Run (it would be fitting for Suarez to homer in his first game back in a Reds uniform)
Pagan: 1ip, 2K, SV
I appreciate everyone for reading and interacting. As always, please feel free to leave comments, criticism, future topics and I will be happy to open the discussion! Until next time, Who Dey & Go Redlegs!
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