Locked On Reds - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds weigh a bold move with a potential 6-man rotation, but could it derail their playoff hopes? Jeff and Steve scrutinize Derek Johnson’s unprompted suggestion, spotlighting why history—and roster balance—might be stacked against it. They break down how reducing bullpen spots could undo offseason improvements, and question the wisdom of altering routines for arms like Hunter Greene, Ni...

Cincinnati Reds launch spring training with bold roster experiments—Will Benson faces his left-handed pitching struggles head-on, while Chase Burns stakes his claim for the fifth rotation spot. Are these early lineup moves pointing to big changes for Opening Day? Tyler Stephenson leads off, Eugenio Suárez anchors the heart of the order, and the battle for bench spots heats up among JJ Bleday, Nath...

Cincinnati Reds face a pivotal season as Tyler Stephenson’s future hangs in the balance—can he deliver a breakout year that justifies his value at catcher? Jeff and Steve spotlight Stephenson’s middling offensive stats and defensive shortcomings, dissecting why he’s fallen short of MLB’s elite behind the plate. Will this be his last year in Cincinnati, or can he finally crack the top tier of catch...

Cincinnati Reds face pivotal expectations as Sal Stewart emerges as a breakout candidate for NL Rookie of the Year. Will Stewart’s offseason transformation and positional versatility ignite the team’s postseason dreams, or signal concerns if he ranks too high among top producers? Jeff Carr and Steven Offenbaker scrutinize Stewart’s projections, weigh Matt McLain, Noelvi Marte, and Tyler Stephenson...

Cincinnati Reds face pivotal decisions in their pitching rotation as Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson battle for the coveted fifth starter spot. Can Burns’ electric repertoire and new changeup cement his place, or will Williamson’s unique approach edge him out? Steve and Eric Matthews debate the rotation strategy, bullpen roles, and the potential for rookie setbacks, raising quest...

Cincinnati Reds face crucial decisions as the best lineup debate intensifies—should Eugenio Suarez reclaim third base, or is his future at designated hitter? Jeff and Steve break down the defensive trade-offs with Ke'Bryan Hayes, Sal Stewart, and Spencer Steer, weighing offensive firepower against fielding reliability. The duo also provides a hard look at the catching corps, examining Tyler Stephe...

Elly De La Cruz is primed to ignite the Cincinnati Reds’ offense, packing on muscle and refining his approach as projections continue to underestimate his 2026 breakout potential. Hosts Steve and Jeff debate De La Cruz’s power surge, defensive strides, and whether he’ll finally notch more home runs than errors. They question why key projection systems remain conservative and explore what a 30-50 s...

The Cincinnati Reds have officially changed owners from Bob Castellini to Phil Castellini, as it was announced Thursday night. How much does this change the Reds operation from day to day? Nick Krall spoke to the media about that on Friday. The Castellini's have not yet delivered on their promise in 2006 to bring winning baseball to Cincinnati, will this change also turn that broken promise around...

Hunter Greene enters the 2026 MLB season with something to prove for the Cincinnati Reds—can he finally deliver ace-worthy production across a full schedule? Jeff and Steve break down Greene’s expectations, debating whether his elite strikeout rates and improved walk numbers will translate into 30 starts and postseason dominance or if workload concerns and past injuries will limit his impact. With...

Cincinnati Reds face tough decisions as Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson battle for the fifth starter role—will youth or experience prevail? Spencer Steer’s shift to everyday left fielder raises questions about defensive impact, while Sal Stewart emerges as the primary first baseman amidst Terry Francona’s new lineup vision.   Steve and Jeff weigh the Reds’ starting rotation strat...

When can Cincinnati Reds fans truly trust a breakout season from Noelvi Marte or expect a bounce-back from Matt McLain? MLB scout Tyler Gibbons joins Jeff to break down what separates a hot streak from a sustainable leap. Get expert insight on Marte’s transition to right field, McLain’s leadership and work ethic after an injury-riddled year, and why advanced stats suggest better days ahead for the...

Can the Cincinnati Reds finally seize the NL Central crown in 2026? Steve and Jeff break down why optimism is soaring as pitchers and catchers report, spotlighting the additions of Eugenio Suárez and bullpen reinforcements like Pierce Johnson and Caleb Ferguson. Key discussions focus on the Reds' improved power, particularly at DH, and whether their revamped pitching staff—featuring Hunter Greene,...

Cincinnati Reds look smarter than most with Hunter Greene’s team-friendly contract, outsmarting rivals as arbitration prices skyrocket. Jeff Carr and Steven Offenbaker break down how Nick Krall’s bold move safeguards the Reds’ payroll, especially as pitchers like Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott prepare to cash in. Will rising arbitration costs force MLB teams into a new era of economics—and could a...

Cincinnati Reds confront their biggest question mark as spring training kicks off: who will lock down left field and anchor the infield for a playoff push? Steve and Eric Matthews debates the search for outfield stability, spotlighting Spencer Steer, Will Benson, and JJ Bleday, while assessing Nick Krall’s off-season moves and the team’s ongoing need for a power-hitting corner outfielder. With Eug...

Cincinnati Reds shake up their offseason script, signaling a surprising shift in front office philosophy as ownership approves Nick Krall to bust the budget for fan-favorite Eugenio Suarez. Is Phil Castellini seeking redemption after years of backlash, or is this the start of a more aggressive approach to winning baseball in Cincinnati?   Jeff and Steve break down the ripple effects of Suarez’s si...

Cincinnati Reds overhaul their lineup, adding Eugenio Suárez to inject much-needed power behind Elly De La Cruz—does this move finally erase last season's weaknesses? Steve, Tim Daniel, and Jeff break down the Reds’ offseason grade, discuss Nick Krall’s savvy front office decisions, and debate the team’s remaining Achilles heel. The crew explores if the Reds’ improved bullpen and a deeper pitching...

Cincinnati Reds shake up the NL Central, landing slugger Eugenio Suarez on a one-year, $15 million deal and signaling their intent to win now. Can Terry Francona’s leadership and an upgraded batting lineup—featuring Suarez behind Elly De La Cruz—catapult the Reds past the Cubs and Brewers in a division full of surprises? The Reds have plenty of pitching depth with Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nic...

Cincinnati Reds shake up the NL Central with the headline-grabbing signing of Eugenio Suárez, instantly raising division stakes and sparking excitement among fans and players alike. Are the Reds suddenly favorites to win the Central after adding a true power bat to their lineup? Jeff and Steve break down how Suárez’s 49-homer firepower transforms the Reds’ offensive potential, brings much-needed l...

The Cincinnati Reds NEED a lineup upgrade BUT the reason to believe in them is the Reds amazing pitching staff. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Brady Singer are the steadying force behind a talented group that could carry the Reds to the postseason. The Reds will not be bringing back an outfielder from last year as he heads to Chicago to join the White Sox. Will the Reds survive Fol...

Cincinnati Reds brace for a potential turning point as Tyler Stephenson’s future with the team comes into question. With contract talks reportedly stalled and Jose Trevino and Ben Rortvedt making waves at Reds Fest, Jeff and Steve dig into front office signals suggesting a major move could be looming. Is Nick Krall preparing to pull off a Tampa Bay-style roster reset by trading the Reds’ top offen...

Cincinnati Reds inch closer to contention but lack a true power bat. Is Nick Krall ready to fix the lingering lineup gap and make the Reds playoff threats in 2026? Steve and Jeff outline their projected Opening Day lineup, debating the best fit for TJ Friedl, Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and newcomer Sal Stewart, while spotlighting the urgent need for a middle-of-the-order outfield slugger. The...

Cincinnati Reds target power with potential moves for Eugenio Suarez and a reunion with Austin Hayes—could Suarez’s slugging transform the lineup into a division contender? Jeff and Steve assess the Reds’ pursuit of a much-needed lineup upgrade, debating the impact of Suarez’s 49 home runs and Hayes’ consistency amid last year’s injuries. Discussion covers lineup protection for Elly De La Cruz, th...

Cincinnati Reds’ bold contract offer to Elly De La Cruz sparks debate—could the front office’s transparency shift fan expectations forever? Jeff Carr and Steven Offenbaker break down why the Reds’ high-stakes extension bid and its public rejection by Scott Boras signal a new era in team strategy. The hosts challenge fans to rethink what front office “trying” really means, examine the financial fut...

Cincinnati Reds clear cap space and upgrade their bullpen, fueling speculation of a major lineup shakeup. Is Nick Krall preparing to land a big bat for Opening Day? Steve and Jeff break down the three-team trade sending Gavin Lux to Tampa, Brock Burke to Cincinnati, and what the new $8M budget could mean for future signings. Potential moves involving Tyler Stephenson and Brady Singer spark debate—...

Cincinnati Reds shift focus to pitching dominance as Nick Krall opts to build an elite staff instead of chasing power hitters. Is this pitching-first philosophy enough to overcome an incomplete lineup and deliver playoff success at Great American Ball Park? Jeff and Steve debate the team’s off-season strategy, question the failure to address offensive struggles, and suggest bold stadium changes—li...