Locked On Reds

Cincinnati Reds spark controversy as Nick Krall’s comments raise new doubts about the team’s leadership. Did mismanaging Elly De La Cruz’s injury cost the Reds vital wins—and set a worrying precedent for Hunter Greene’s future? Steve and Jeff dissect Krall's surprising admissions, asking whether the Reds’ handling of star injuries like Hunter Greene and Elly De La Cruz reflects deeper issues inside the clubhouse. Key topics include shocking statistical drops for Elly De La Cruz after his quad injury, a heated debate over trading Hunter Greene, and the Reds’ risky approach to protecting player health. Analysis of the turbulent free agent and trade market reveals why adding talent like Kyle Schwarber or Devin Williams is harder—and pricier—than ever. Can the Cincinnati Reds rebound as offseason uncertainty grows, or will front office decisions cloud their path to contention? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Cincinnati Reds face a pivotal offseason with just $20 million to spend—can budget signings spark a playoff push? Steve and Jeff break down affordable free agent options like Rhys Hoskins to inject much-needed power into a struggling Reds lineup, while weighing the impact of one-year “prove it” deals over splashy signings. Should Nick Krall target bullpen arms such as Jalen Beeks and Kyle Finnegan instead of chasing big names like Kyle Schwarber? The hosts unpack Cincinnati’s recent 40-man roster moves, spotlighting prospects Hector Rodriguez, Edwin Arroyo, and Leo Balcazar—and debate whether any could make a difference in 2026. With the winter meetings looming and a cautious MLB free agent market amid CBA uncertainty, will the Reds’ conservative approach leave gaps in the outfield or the bullpen? Stay tuned for an energetic, thoughtful analysis of the Reds’ offseason strategy and how it might shape the team’s NL Central hopes. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Cincinnati Reds' willingness to trade Hunter Greene is suddenly real, sending shockwaves through Reds Country. Steve and Jeff break down the growing trade rumors, fueled by Reds beat writer Mark Sheldon's revealing AMA and credible buzz from within the organization. With key voices in Cincinnati questioning Greene’s recovery efforts and leadership, is the Reds front office preparing for a blockbuster move to address offensive and bullpen holes? The show also spotlights Sal Stewart, who tops Steamer’s 2026 rookie WRC+ projections, sparking optimism about his future role at first base. Can Stewart’s breakout boost the Reds lineup, or will bigger trades reshape next season’s expectations? Get all the latest insights into Hunter Greene’s uncertain Reds future, front office strategy, and how internal evaluations could define Cincinnati’s path this offseason. Will the Reds risk it all for a transformative trade, or is another layer about to emerge? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Terry Francona’s urgent approach lifts the Cincinnati Reds to a surprise playoff berth, sparking debate on his impact and deserved recognition. Can Francona’s management style overcome this roster’s glaring weaknesses, and does he deserve more credit for the Reds’ September turnaround? The Reds team MVP debate heats up as Elly De La Cruz, Tony Santillan, and Andrew Abbott vie for top honors, but do any truly stand out? Steve and Jeff break down the meaning behind the Manager of the Year award, comparing Francona’s second-place finish to Pat Murphy and revealing what it takes to earn postseason accolades. Key topics include Reds’ 40-man roster decisions, Edwin Arroyo and Hector Rodriguez’s prospects, and whether Rule 5 risks threaten Cincinnati’s future prospects. And Alfredo Duno went off in Arizona! Get expert insights and spirited analysis on the Reds’ strategy for 2026 and beyond. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Cincinnati Reds spark fan frustration as the front office stalls on bold offseason moves—will a lack of urgency cost them in 2026? Steve and Jeff break down Nick Krall's cautious approach in the free agent and trade markets, raising questions about whether the Reds are poised to seize their competitive window or settle for roster leftovers. Hot rumors swirl around Pete Alonso, Devin Williams, and Justin Turner, but skepticism remains about the team's willingness to land impact bats. Spencer Steer’s role shifts back to super utility as the Reds set sights on a new first baseman, potentially Sal Stewart or a yet-to-be-named acquisition. Trade talk intensifies around Ke'Bryan Hayes, while intriguing possibilities emerge for Miguel Andújar’s return. The hosts debate fan hopes versus reality, react to Tejay Antone’s free agency, and spotlight how Terry Francona’s appeal could shape future signings. Are Reds fans in for another year of “we’ll see”—or a surprise splash? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platform

Hunter Greene trade rumors swirl as the Cincinnati Reds face a pivotal roster question. Jeff and Steve dissect the implications of Nick Krall’s noncommittal stance on Greene’s future and challenge whether moving their prized homegrown ace would undermine the team’s long-term strategy. Are the Reds truly prepared to shift from their "draft, develop, and retain" philosophy, or is this just GM posturing fueling offseason speculation? The show also spotlights the Reds' aggressive pursuit of bullpen upgrades, including interest in top free agent Devin Williams. With fresh questions swirling about Tyler Stephenson’s future after another catcher joins the 40-man roster, could Cincinnati be setting up a surprising trade? Player evaluations, front office maneuvering, and prospect protection ahead of the Rule 5 Draft all take center stage as the Reds’ offseason heats up. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Brandon Phillips is virtually guaranteed a spot in the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, but who else from this year’s ballot truly deserves enshrinement? Steve and Jeff debate the merits of Aaron Harang, Homer Bailey, Zach Cozart, and Francisco Cordero, spotlighting Phillips’ elite glove, power numbers, and signature moments in Reds history. The hosts analyze Hall of Fame criteria—should iconic single-game achievements, like Bailey’s two no-hitters, stack up to overall career contributions? Looking ahead, the future of Cincinnati’s Hall looks bright as Steve and Jeff spotlight current Reds such as Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Tyler Stephenson as potential Reds Hall of Famers. Key discussions include the hidden value of WAR, Scott Rolen’s candidacy based on Reds tenure versus total career, and how postseason memories stack up against traditional stats. Which current Reds star will one day wear the red blazer? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Cincinnati Reds face mounting Hunter Greene trade rumors as reporters propose blockbuster deals—could All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte headline a stunning swap? Jeff and Steve dissect the latest speculation, spotlighting Major League Baseball’s growing interest in Greene and questioning whether Nick Krall’s front office could be persuaded to move the young ace despite his long-term team control through 2029. Kyle Schwarber’s potential fit in Cincinnati gets a creative twist, with deferred money contracts on the table. The hosts debate aggressive offseason strategies that challenge the Reds’ small-market status quo, urging bold roster upgrades after years of postseason drought. Plus, anticipation builds for RedsFest’s January return, as fans and players prepare to reunite at the renovated Cincinnati Convention Center. Will the Reds finally break free from the status quo and land an impact bat or shake up the rotation before the new season? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Cincinnati Reds rumors heat up around a potential blockbuster signing of Kyle Schwarber. Could the Queen City finally land its hometown slugger? Jeff and Steve weigh the significance of Schwarber's ties to Middletown, recent free agent talks, and his fit as the Reds’ next power-hitting DH. Team finances, ownership hesitations, and the looming CBA negotiations threaten to derail hopes for a transformative deal. Key topics include the financial hurdles facing Nick Krall, the history of Reds’ big-money contracts with names like Mike Moustakas and Jeimer Candelario, and how landing Schwarber might impact future roster flexibility. Is there enough left in the Reds’ budget for bullpen upgrades or a reliable left fielder? The hosts break down Kyle Schwarber’s projected contract, negotiation dynamics, and what his signing could mean for Cincinnati’s playoff ambitions. Is this the move that finally changes the Reds’ narrative? KYLE SCHWARBER EVENT IN MIDDLETOWN: https://cityofmiddletown.org/724/Beyond-the-Field-with-K

Cincinnati Reds ramp up their offseason strategy by declining options on Austin Hays, Scott Barlow, and Brent Suter, giving GM Nick Krall fresh payroll flexibility—will this finally land the team a marquee outfield bat? Hot stove season heats up as Steve and Jeff debate the wisdom of recent roster moves, the future of Brent Suter in Cincinnati, and whether Connor Phillips has what it takes to anchor the bullpen in 2026. Key topics include the Reds’ evolving arbitration picture, possible trades involving Brady Singer and Gavin Lux, and the impact of newcomers like Keegan Thompson. The hosts also break down how Cincinnati’s unchanged TV deal sets the stage for a major league broadcast revolution and potential changes in MLB economics. Can the Reds use their newfound financial wiggle room to land a power-hitting outfielder and shake up the NL Central race? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Cincinnati Reds fans brace for another turbulent offseason as the front office signals no change to payroll for 2026. Can the Reds compete for a division title without opening the checkbook? Hosts Jeff and Tim Daniel tackle Nick Krall’s statement, explore potential trades involving names like Brady Singer and Gavin Lux, and weigh creative ways to build a contender on a tight budget. Key questions include the future impact of power hitters, the likelihood of adding stars like Kyle Schwarber, and whether ownership’s approach undermines the team’s momentum after a gritty playoff run. The conversation turns to bullpen strategy, highlighting signings like Keegan Thompson and breakout potential for Connor Phillips, Zach Maxwell, and Luis Mey. Can the Reds’ pitching depth offset limitations elsewhere on the roster? Tim Daniel offers bold takes on surprise contributors, while Jeff examines how planned roster moves could shape Cincinnati’s chances in the NL Central. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Cincinnati Reds face uncertainty in center field as TJ Friedl’s defensive metrics raise fresh questions—should fans expect a lineup shakeup in 2026? Is Friedl’s everyday spot a given, or could a power-hitting upgrade shift him to a platoon or left field? Jeff and Steve scrutinize Friedl’s offensive trends, discuss the outfield’s ongoing struggles, and debate strategies for boosting production. Coaching staff updates—including Willie Harris joining as third base coach and Bill Hasselman as catching coach—reveal new dynamics on the field and around the diamond. Insights on Reds prospect Rhett Lowder, Arizona Fall League performances, and Terry Francona’s Manager of the Year nomination round out the conversation. With option and qualifying offer deadlines looming, can the Reds make the moves needed for a breakout season? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

The Cincinnati Reds face critical offseason decisions as player options and free agency loom. Should the team bring back Austin Hays at $12 million, or let him walk after an injury-plagued season that produced barely above league-average results? Relief pitchers Scott Barlow and Brent Suter have club options worth considering, while closer Emilio Pagán enters free agency after a strong 32-save campaign.Jeff Carr and Steven Offenbaker analyze each decision, making a compelling case for Miguel Andújar as the perfect fourth outfielder after his impressive .359/.400/.544 slash line in 34 games with Cincinnati. The hosts also debate Ke'Bryan Hayes' Gold Glove award and whether his elite defense justifies keeping him despite offensive struggles that produced a 65 OPS+ in 2025. The conversation repeatedly emphasizes one crucial point: none of these complementary moves matter unless the Cincinnati Reds first acquire a power-hitting outfielder capable of 30-35 home runs. The team's current roster construction resemble

The Cincinnati Reds finally made the playoffs in 2025 for a brief cup of espresso. Nick Krall must give Terry Francona the necessary pieces in order to ensure that isn't the best thing to happen to the Reds during the tenure of Elly De La Cruz. Breakout performances are nice, but betting on Matt McLain, Noelvi Marte, and Spencer Steer to all breakout while not addressing the needs of this roster would be a crime. The Reds need power in the lineup and another outfielder before we can feel good about the Reds taking advantage of this window of contention. Will the Front Office make it so that the Reds do more than just sneak into the Wild Card round? There are free agent and trade moves out there that are not astronomical spending asks that will improve the Reds.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

The Cincinnati Reds face critical decisions about three key players heading into 2026. Matt McLain's disappointing 2025 season (.220 BA, 0.0 WAR) following shoulder surgery has fans concerned, but his elite late-season peripherals—including a 44.4% hard hit rate versus 37% league average—suggest a bounce-back is coming. Ke'Bryan Hayes presents a fascinating dilemma: his Gold Glove defense and 1.4 WAR justify his $7 million salary, but his offensive struggles (78 OPS+ in 2025) create a lineup black hole through 2029. Graham Ashcraft's 3.99 ERA masks elite performance, with his 2.72 FIP, 99th percentile exit velocity, and league-best 38% chase rate indicating he was victimized by a .342 BABIP and poor defensive support.Jeff Carr and Steven Offenbaker break down advanced metrics to defend these players against fan criticism while acknowledging legitimate concerns. The hosts analyze McLain's recovery timeline from total labrum repair, debate whether Hayes' defensive value outweighs offensive limitations, and make

The Cincinnati Reds' 2025 season reached the postseason, but what drove that success and what does it mean for the future? Terry Francona's first year as manager brought a laser-focused, day-to-day mentality that helped the team win crucial September games, a stark contrast to previous managers who would sacrifice today's game for tomorrow's bullpen availability. The hosts examine whether David Bell could have achieved the same results and credit Francona with approximately six additional wins despite notable mistakes with Ian Gibaut and Miguel Andújar. Jeff and Steve grade GM Nick Krall's performance at C-plus to B-minus, praising his willingness to eat Jeimer Candelario's contract and build a competent bullpen while criticizing his failure to address the middle-of-the-order bat and outfield problems. The conversation shifts to ownership structure, revealing the Castellinis spend only 42.6% of revenue on payroll compared to the Mets' 90% and Dodgers' 70%+. They explore Dick Williams' departure, explaining ho

The Cincinnati Reds face a pivotal decision regarding Hunter Greene's future. Could trading the young ace actually benefit the team? Steven Offenbaker and Jeff Carr analyze the potential impact on the rotation, exploring how Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, Chase Burns, and Rhett Lowder could step up. They dissect Nick Krall's front office strategy, comparing it to the Tampa Bay Rays' model of sustained competitiveness. The hosts also provide updates on Rhett Lowder's impressive Arizona Fall League performance. Is Krall's approach the right path for long-term success? Get the full scoop on Greene's trade value and the Reds' organizational philosophy in this episode. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

The Cincinnati Reds face crucial decisions as trade rumors swirl around Hunter Greene. There are reasons you have to really squint hard to see for Greene to be traded. Jeff and Steve analyze the implications of trading Greene, exploring the "Tampa model" of flipping high-value players. The hosts dissect Elly De La Cruz's position dilemma, questioning why he played all 162 games despite not being fully healthy. Scott Boras's influence on De La Cruz's situation and the team's strategy comes under scrutiny. With the offseason approaching, the podcast examines Cincinnati's priorities, emphasizing the need for bullpen reinforcement and a middle-of-the-order bat. Economic uncertainties and the looming collective bargaining agreement cast shadows over potential contract extensions. Tune in now to unpack the Cincinnati Reds' complex roster decisions and future outlook! Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

World Series Showdown: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays - Who Will Reign Supreme? The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays face off in an unexpected World Series matchup. Can the Blue Jays' complete team challenge the Dodgers' powerhouse lineup? Key discussions include team strengths, payroll disparities, and the impact of high-spending franchises on MLB. The hosts analyze starting pitching, bullpen strategies, and offer bold predictions for the series outcome. Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. take center stage as potential game-changers. Tune in for expert insights on this thrilling World Series clash and the broader issues shaping the future of baseball.   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLBRugietReady to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo

The Cincinnati Reds face pivotal decisions as trade rumors swirl around Hunter Greene. Is trading the young ace a smart move? Jeff Carr and Lance McAlister dissect Greene's team-friendly contract and potential, questioning the logic behind moving such a promising pitcher. The duo explores Elly De La Cruz's future at shortstop, debating patience versus positional change. They critically examine the Reds' organizational strategy, roster construction, and front office decision-making. Can fans trust GM Nick Krall to make the right moves? Discover what offseason acquisitions could elevate Cincinnati beyond another 83-win season. Get the full scoop on the Reds' crucial offseason strategy – listen now! Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…