Opening Day 2025 is just over two weeks away, and Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona is checking things off his to-do list. The Reds skipper declared Hunter Greene the team’s Opening Day starter and also revealed that the trio of Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez, and Brady Singer would be part of the Reds Opening Day rotation.
Francona’s superstar shortstop looks to be in midseason form. Elly De La Cruz is hitting .526/.609/1.158, and his running mates Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Matt McLain both look like they’re ready to make major contribution after injuries plagued both of the Reds’ young budding stars in 2024.
But while Cincinnati looks poised to enter the 2025 campaign with a legitimate chance to overthrow the Milwaukee Brewers and win the NL Central for the first time in 13 years, there’s still one more big move the Reds need to make before Opening Day. It’s time to lock up catcher Tyler Stephenson for the long haul.
The Reds still need to extend catcher Tyler Stephenson before Opening Day 2025
Come on, Reds. Stop dragging your feet! Stephenson was asked about a potential contract extension earlier this spring and had this response, “I’d be interested in it, if it makes sense,” Stephenson said. “There hasn’t been anything yet. But I’d love to. This is year 10 with the organization. It’s really all I know. It’ll take care of itself, so we’ll see.”
The Reds are entering dangerous territory with Stephenson. Cincinnati has a small window to get a deal done, and most players proceed to test the waters if free agency is merely one year away. With Stephenson under team-control through 2026, getting a deal done before Opening Day would be prudent.
This is a hell of a play from Tyler Stephenson to possibly save the game pic.twitter.com/qc2mc1BBef
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 8, 2024
The Reds’ backup catcher, Jose Trevino, will be a free agent after this season, and there’s literally no one in the Reds’ farm system who’s ready to take over behind the dish if Stephenson bolts for greener pastures after 2026.
The Reds have high hopes for top catching prospect Alfredo Duno, but he’s barely 19 years old and many scouts question whether or not he can stick behind the plate. Duno has just 21 minor league games under his belt, and every other minor-league catcher has far too many flaws to be considered an everyday backstop.
It’s time for the Reds to pony up and make a long-term commitment to one of their core players. Trying to sign one of De La Cruz or McLain to an extension is pie-in-the-sky thinking, but keeping Stephenson in Cincinnati is not overly complicated. Make it happen, Nick Krall!