About this episode
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, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott—gives them an edge over rivals like the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and a retooling Milwaukee Brewers squad. Are traditional projections underrating the Reds? The hosts challenge the stats holding back national forecasts, argue for the true impact of Francona’s leadership, and highlight key matchups against the Cubs and Cardinals that could decide the division. Can Cincinnati’s revamped lineup and surging pitching silence the skeptics? Don’t miss this must-listen outlook on the Reds’ best championship opportunity in years. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…? https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-reds/ https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnReds?sub_confirmation=1 Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More? https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB BOOKMARK Sports Illustrated’s Cincinnati Reds site, Inside the Reds!https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/ Also follow @jefffcarr and @soffenbaker on Twitter JOIN THE DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/STMcRDyMCt For your next listen, check out the Locked On MLB podcast. Get Sully’s take on MLB! He has it all covered every single day. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub 00:00 – Can Reds WIN the Division?10:29 – Reds vs Division Rivals23:16 – Stat Holding Back Projections Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. FANDUEL
