New Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona shared earlier this week that the team plans for Matt McLain to be their regular second baseman for the 2025 season. During his rehab in the Arizona Fall League, McLain saw time at shortstop, second base, third base, and even the outfield. However, he is expected to take over at second base, replacing Jonathan India.
With McLain and star shortstop Elly De La Cruz solidifying the middle infield, the Reds still have some uncertainty at the corner infield positions. Players like Gavin Lux, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, and Jeimer Candelario could all see action at first or third base in 2025.
According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, Lux, Encarnacion-Strand, and Marte—along with top prospect Cam Collier—will get extensive reps at third base during spring training. Interestingly, Steer is not included in that group, which suggests he may be transitioning into the team’s primary first baseman for the upcoming season.
As Reds infielder Spencer Steer continues to rehab his shoulder, Christian Encarnacion-Strand has a golden opportunity
Steer was the frontrunner to take over first base in 2025, but with the outfield already packed, his opportunities there were limited. However, an extended recovery from a shoulder injury will keep him in the designated hitter role for now. This opens the door for Christian Encarnacion-Strand (CES) to push for a roster spot with a strong spring training.
When fully healthy, CES boasts some of the best power on the team. His swing seems perfectly suited for Great American Ball Park, and if he can stay on the field, he has the potential to hit 30 home runs. On a Reds team that has leaned toward speed in recent years, CES could provide a much-needed power boost to the lineup.
Staying healthy has been a challenge for CES. Before reaching the Majors, he dealt with a concussion while in the Twins’ organization and a herniated disc. His most serious injury came in April 2024, when he was hit by a pitch that fractured his wrist and damaged ligaments in his hand. The injury required surgery and ultimately cost him the entire season.
The silver lining is that two of those injuries were freak occurrences, and the herniated disc hasn’t resurfaced since early 2023. If his Arizona Fall League performance is any indication, CES appears to have fully recovered, reducing concerns about his durability moving forward.
The Reds also seem confident in his potential impact, as he remains in the mix for both first and third base. That bodes well for his chances of a breakout season and a key role in the lineup.
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