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🌟 [ 6 ]   Elly De La Cruz Hits TWO Home Runs in Cincinnati Reds Spring Training Opener

( 2857 viewed : 107 like : 10 comments ) Chatterbox Reds Postgame Show for the Cincinnati Reds two Cactus League Spring Training opening games vs the Cleveland Guardians and Milwaukee Brewers.

The Cincinnati Reds head into the 2025 season with a mixture of optimism and uncertainty, poised to take a step forward in the National League Central under new manager Terry Francona. After a disappointing 77-85 finish in 2024, the Reds have made strategic moves to bolster their roster, leaning on a blend of breakout stars, emerging prospects, and veteran leadership. With a revamped coaching staff and a talented young core, the outlook for 2025 hinges on health, consistency, and the ability to capitalize on a relatively weak division.

At the heart of the Reds’ hopes is shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who erupted in 2024 with 25 home runs, 67 stolen bases, and an .810 OPS, earning an All-Star nod and finishing eighth in NL MVP voting. Still just 23, De La Cruz’s electric speed and power make him a cornerstone, though his 218 strikeouts and 29 errors highlight areas for refinement. New hitting coach Chris Valaika will aim to sharpen his approach at the plate, potentially elevating him to MVP contention as some predict. Alongside him, second baseman Matt McLain returns after missing all of 2024 with a shoulder injury. His .290/.864 rookie slash line from 2023 suggests he could solidify the infield if he stays healthy.

The pitching staff offers another bright spot, led by Hunter Greene’s breakout 2024 campaign (2.75 ERA, 169 strikeouts in 150.1 innings). Greene, now 25, anchors a rotation that includes newcomers like Brady Singer, acquired via trade, and Nick Martinez, re-signed with a qualifying offer. Young lefties Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott provide depth, while top prospect Rhett Lowder (1.17 ERA in six MLB starts last year) could force his way into the mix early. The bullpen, with closer Alexis Díaz and contributors like Tony Santillan and Brent Suter, looks serviceable but lacks elite punch—potentially a weak link if starters falter.

Offensively, the Reds remain a work in progress. TJ Friedl, Spencer Steer, and Jeimer Candelario offer reliability, but the outfield and corners need punch. The loss of depth in free agency was minimal, but the front office’s conservative payroll approach—hovering around $103 million—limits splashy additions. A reunion with Jesse Winker, a lefty bat with local ties, has been floated as a realistic target to boost the lineup. Meanwhile, prospects like Edwin Arroyo and Chase Burns loom as future contributors, though they’re likely a year away from major impact.

Predictions vary widely: PECOTA projects a grim 74-88 last-place finish, citing pitching and defensive woes, while ESPN’s Buster Olney calls the Reds the “most improved” team in baseball. The truth likely lies in between. With Francona’s proven leadership—he boasts two World Series titles and a 1950-1672 career record—the Reds could exceed expectations if their young stars align and injuries subside. A .500 season feels like the baseline, with a wild-card berth or even a division title (in a shaky NL Central) within reach if everything clicks. For Cincinnati, 2025 is about turning potential into production—anything less risks stalling their rebuild.

The roster currently includes pitchers Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, Alexis Díaz, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, Nick Martinez, Luis Mey, Sam Moll, Frankie Montas, Emilio Pagán, Lucas Sims, Brady Singer, Tony Santillan, Carson Spiers, Brent Suter, and Jose Trevino, showcasing a deep pitching staff with ace potential in Greene and emerging arms like Lowder. Position players feature catchers Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino, alongside infielders Jeimer Candelario, Tyler Callihan, Elly De La Cruz, Santiago Espinal, Gavin Lux, and Matt McLain, with Spencer Steer offering versatility across infield and outfield roles. The outfield includes Will Benson, Stuart Fairchild, TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, and Austin Hays.

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[6D] Elly De La Cruz Hits TWO Home Runs in Cincinnati Reds Spring Training Opener [ World ]