Cincinnati Reds lineup locks in Matt McLain as the critical No. 2 hitter, signaling an electrifying Opening Day against the Boston Red Sox. Can McLain’s hot spring translate to regular season dominance as Terry Francona and Eugenio Suárez spark a new era for the Reds? With TJ Friedl and Sal Stewart catching fans’ attention and Spencer Steer poised for a breakout, the roster’s top spots ignite key questions about platoon strategy and depth.

Jeff and Steve dissect Jeff Passan’s bold playoff predictions, Chase Burns’ ace potential, and Andrew Abbott's spring struggles—should fans R-E-L-A-X or brace for concern? Insights touch on Tyler Stephenson’s role, Francona’s leadership, and national recognition for the Reds’ postseason chances. Get expert analysis on defensive trends, the impact of upcoming matchups, and why optimism runs high for Cincinnati’s pursuit of the NL Central crown.

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

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 the Locked On Reds community: https://lockedonreds.supercast.com

BOOKMARK Sports Illustrated’s Cincinnati Reds site, Cincinnati Reds Talk!

https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/

- Also follow @jefffcarr and @soffenbaker on Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PlayStation

This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

Turbo Tax

Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.

Robinhood

You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.

Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

#Reds #CincinnatiReds #MLB

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.