Locked On Reds - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Reds

Can the Cincinnati Reds fix what’s broken and get back into contention next year? In this episode, we break down what it will actually take to turn things around, and why this is more than a one-offseason project.We start with the core question: is a return to contention realistic for 2027, and what has to go right for it to happen?Then we look at why this may take more than one offseason. Roster holes, payroll decisions, and player development timelines don’t get solved in a single winter, and we walk through where the Reds’ bigges...

Cincinnati Reds’ pitching future could hinge on a bold move: will Terry Francona’s connection help land Carl Willis as the next pitching coach? With five Cy Young winners developed under his watch, Willis would be the top candidate to revitalize a Reds staff plagued by walks and underperformance in 2026. Jeff Carr spotlights the urgent need for pitching leadership and examines how Willis’ philosophy could mesh with Nick Krall’s run prevention mandate.Meanwhile, the hype builds for Sal Stewart, as he captures Sporting News NL Rookie of the Year honors—are 32 homers and 111 RBIs enough to silence th...

Cincinnati Reds risk disappointment as front office eyes "familiar faces" and mid-tier moves instead of bold upgrades. Will Nick Krall’s pursuit of Nick Martinez actually move the needle, or are Reds fans in for another season of “run it back” strategy and budget limitations?Jeff and Steve break down the Reds’ likely offseason path, from the real possibility of standing pat in the outfield to overpaying for aging relievers and considering reunions with Jonathan India and Tyler Mahle. They question whether upgrades at catcher and pitching are realistic given ownership’s track record, and debate the critical n...

Cincinnati Reds face a make-or-break offseason as limited budget forces tough decisions. Should Nick Krall prioritize a blockbuster addition at catcher or a frontline starter to spark a real turnaround? Steven Offenbaker and Jeff Carr map out bold moves—targeting Ryan Jeffers for stability behind the plate and Joe Ryan to anchor the rotation—while questioning whether Nick Krall will stick to safe, familiar territory.Key topics include how declining Eugenio Suarez and Pierce Johnson's options could free critical payroll, the ongoing dilemma of Ke'Bryan Hayes' contract, and persistent outfield holes despite names like Ian Happ and Ramo...

Major League Baseball faces a seismic labor showdown as owners and players brace for a lockout that could threaten the entire 2027 season. Will the potential of $7 billion TV contracts and streaming deals force action, or are owners ready to sacrifice a year to secure a salary cap? The high-stakes battle over centralized revenue, salary caps, and payroll floors has both sides posturing for leverage, with player pay and team valuations hanging in the balance.Jeff and Steve break down the ripple effects for the Cincinnati Reds and the league, drawing comparisons to the NFL’s model and re...

Joey Votto suggested that Elly De La Cruz should be traded on a recent podcast appearance. Jeff and Steve examine the value of trading De La Cruz now as opposed to waiting a few years from now for the Reds. Hidden inside Votto's hot take was a key point that Bob Castellini has blocked consistently, though. The show is LIVE today so get your comments and questions into the chat and the guys will discuss it!Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make...

Cincinnati Reds face a pivotal offseason as weak pitching and missed offensive opportunities threaten to derail their 2027 ambitions. Can Nick Krall finally land the impact arms this rotation desperately needs, or will the front office settle for low-upside, budget-friendly moves that stunt progress? Jeff and Tim Daniel break down dire starting rotation stats, bullpen woes, and question marks surrounding Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and Andrew Abbott, while spotlighting potential free agent targets like Tarik Skubal, Sonny Gray, and Michael Soroka.The episode also tackles urgent lineup upgrades, from the Tyler Stephenson dilemma at catcher to glaring second...

Cincinnati Reds’ season ends in disappointment, but Juan Brito leads an interesting group of players to watch for 2027. Can these under-the-radar names shake up a Reds lineup in need of all the help it can get? Jeff and Steve debate which young talent deserves a real shot as Matt McLain’s struggles and Ke'Bryan Hayes’ historically rough year put their futures in question. Who survives a wide-open battle for playing time if Brito outperforms expectations and Oswaldo Cabrera’s versatility becomes an asset?Intrigue deepens with Hector Rodriguez and Carlos Jorge pushing for bigger roles, while iconic moves at...

Elly De La Cruz is poised to claim his first All-MLB honor after outshining nearly every shortstop in baseball while Sal Stewart and Chase Burns emerge as major award contenders. Can the Cincinnati Reds finally break through next season by addressing a glaring flaw: the league’s worst on-base percentage?Jeff Carr spotlights why boosting OBP should be Nick Krall’s offseason priority, calling out Chris Valaika's approach and questioning the current roster’s construction. The episode also examines Dane Myers’ platoon potential, the future of Alfredo Duno and Carlos Sanchez in the Arizona Fall League, and lingerin...

Cincinnati Reds must break the cycle: Can an outside pitching coach spark the turnaround this team desperately needs? With pitching depth evaporating, command problems spiraling, and the Derek Johnson era officially over, the Reds are at a crossroads. Will Nick Krall’s search for a fresh perspective finally address the walk epidemic and revive their struggling rotation of Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson?Jeff and Steve analyze what went wrong in 2026, why internal options like Matt Tracy and Oscar Marin won’t cut it, and what questions an outside hire must answ...

Cincinnati Reds' offense shows signs of hope as Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart earn national recognition with Hank Aaron Award nominations—are they the 1-2 punch to build a winning lineup around? Steven Offenbaker evaluates their breakthroughs, questions the depth behind them, and credits Terry Francona for fast-tracking Stewart’s impact. Could a consistent supporting cast finally unlock the Reds’ scoring potential and end the futility at the plate? Major League Baseball’s bold proposal to cut the season to 154 games sparks debate. Steven Offenbaker unpacks the potential for healthier, sharper Reds stars like De La Cruz with schedule...

Cincinnati Reds face major offseason uncertainty as a looming MLB lockout could freeze free agent moves and force the front office into drastic decisions. Can Nick Krall navigate a tight signing window and fix the roster’s glaring weaknesses while Bob and Phil Castellini take body blows amid owner infighting? Catcher options like Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino come under the spotlight, with player development and evaluating talent shaping up as central storylines. Steven Offenbaker and Tim Daniel examine how small-market success in the playoffs—highlighting teams like the Brewers, Guardians, and Rays—exposes the Reds’ shortcomings and raises tough question...

Cincinnati Reds double down on hitting coach Chris Veleka despite owning MLB’s worst offense in 2026. Can Nick Krall’s commitment to a contact-over-power approach finally reverse the Reds’ struggles, or is the front office repeating past mistakes? Steven Offenbaker breaks down jaw-dropping stats, questionable roster-building logic, and the organization’s cycle of excuses that frustrate a hungry fanbase. Key discussion points include Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart’s key performances, looming questions for Ke’Bryan Hayes, Noelvi Marte, and Matt McLain, and Terry Francona’s challenge in constructing a lineup that actually fits the team’s stated “get them on, get t...

Cincinnati Reds begin their offseason with a major roster shakeup as TJ Friedl, Will Benson, and PJ Higgins elect free agency, raising questions about Nick Krall’s vision for 2027. Steven Offenbaker reacts to the surprising exit of key contributors and the puzzling loss of Michael Toglia on waivers despite his minor league power. With Derek Johnson’s departure as pitching coordinator, can the Reds stabilize their pitching development, or will a shift in philosophy derail their young staff? The cancellation of Reds Fest and the return of the entire broadcasting crew—including John Sadak, Chris Welsh, and Barry Larkin—add another...

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Cincinnati Reds double down on their flawed strategy as Phil Castellini confirms no changes atop the organization. With Nick Krall, Brad Mader, and Terry Francona all staying put after a disappointing '75-87 season, fans are left wondering: what real change is coming for 2027? Steven Offenbaker exposes the contradictions in the Reds’ approach—highlighting failures in player development, stagnant roster construction, and questionable investments in players like Ke'Bryan Hayes and JJ Bleday. The episode dives into the fallout from Derek Johnson’s exit as pitching coach, the future of key positions like catcher (Tyler Stephenson, Alfredo Duno, Jose Trevino), and the ou...

Cincinnati Reds face a franchise-defining decision: can they afford NOT to extend Tyler Stevenson a qualifying offer? As free agency looms, the lackluster catcher market, highlighted by Jose Treviño’s offensive shortcomings, puts the Reds in a precarious spot—risking a massive lineup downgrade if Stevenson walks. Steven Offenbaker and Tim Daniel dissect Stevenson’s value, pointing to his rare power and on-base ability for a catcher, and break down why $23 million for one year might be the smartest bridge to top prospect Alfredo Duno. The hosts compare Stevenson to free agent alternatives like Ryan Jeffers and Carson Kelly, questio...

Cincinnati Reds’ front office stands firm behind Terry Francona after a brutal 75-87 finish—does the Hall of Fame manager still have the spark to turn the young core into contenders in 2027? Steven Offenbaker spotlights Elly De La Cruz’s electrifying 30-30 season, Sal Stewart’s Rookie of the Year-worthy breakout, and Chase Burns’ emergence as ace—but questions linger about Francona’s hesitation to change lineups and reliance on struggling veterans like TJ Friedl and Ke'Bryan Hayes. Key talking points include the Reds’ offensive collapse, injuries derailing the rotation featuring Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, and bullpen fatigue. Can Francona create...

Cincinnati Reds’ 2026 season mercifully ends amid frustration and cautious optimism. Elly De La Cruz’s superstar leap—highlighted by his 30-30 season and improving splits—has fans dreaming of a Rickey Henderson-like future, while Sal Stewart’s Rookie of the Year campaign and Chase Burns’ emergence as a Cy Young contender offer hope for a brighter core. Steven Offenbaker and Tim Daniel dissect which performances the Reds can trust heading into 2027, what lingering roster holes must be addressed, and why running back Jose Treviño as catcher or JJ Bleday as an everyday outfielder could doom next season. The hosts challenge the...

The Cincinnati Reds’ playoff hopes fade as the season ends with a 5-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Can Brandon Williamson bounce back in 2027 after a tough three-inning outing against Max Scherzer’s stellar finale? Tim Daniel spotlights standout performances from Carlos Jorge’s opposite-field hitting and Sal Stewart’s Rookie of the Year campaign, while questioning the future of the Reds’ shaky pitching rotation.Key storylines include Luis May’s misleading ERA, intrigue around emerging prospects like Hector Rodriguez, and the disappointment of missing playoff action for power duo Elly De La Cruz and Stewart. Daniel refle...