Injuries are an inevitable part of sports—something every fan understands. However, the sheer number of injuries the Cincinnati Reds endured in 2024 was staggering. Before the season even began, the team’s two top players from 2023 were placed on the injured list, and by the end of the season, the Reds’ starting rotation was almost unrecognizable.
The Reds’ depth was pushed to its limits. This becomes even clearer when remembering that players like Evan Kravetz, Levi Jordan, and David Buchanan—largely unknown or overlooked—were called upon throughout the season.
For new manager Terry Francona to succeed in his first year with the Reds, he’ll need his best players to stay on the field. Which injured player’s return will be the most critical for Cincinnati in 2025?
4 Reds Players Whose Healthy Return Will Be Key in 2025
Nick Lodolo, Reds pitcher
Nick Lodolo has the potential to be a frontline starter. With all things being equal, he could even challenge Hunter Greene as Cincinnati’s best pitcher. However, Greene currently holds that title due to Lodolo’s inability to stay healthy.
In 2024, Lodolo set career highs with 21 starts and 115 ⅓ innings, but even that wasn’t enough. He landed on the injured list four separate times. If the left-hander can’t stay healthy in 2025, the Reds might have to consider moving him to a relief role.
Matt McLain, Reds infielder
Matt McLain didn’t see any Major League action in 2024, and his absence was glaring. After being the Reds’ best player in 2023, McLain underwent shoulder surgery before the season and later injured his oblique during a rehab assignment, missing the entire season.
With Jonathan India now traded to the Royals, McLain has a clear path to take over second base in 2025. The Reds desperately need him back in the lineup, contributing with both his bat and his stellar defense.
Jeimer Candelario, Reds infielder
Jeimer Candelario shined for two months in 2024, posting an .828 OPS with 11 homers and 30 RBIs during May and June. Unfortunately, injuries to his lower leg derailed his season. His performance cratered over his final 40 games, hitting just .194/.246/.348 before landing on the injured list in late August.
Given Noelvi Marte’s struggles last season, Candelario is expected to open 2025 as the Reds’ starting third baseman. The team will need him to return to the form that justified the $45 million contract he signed the previous offseason.
TJ Friedl, Reds outfielder
Despite a gritty 2024 campaign, TJ Friedl’s numbers took a noticeable dive. He slashed .226/.310/.380, and his OPS+ fell from 117 in 2023 to 88 in 2024.
Injuries were a significant factor in Friedl’s decline. Every time he seemed to gain momentum, he was sidelined again, including three separate IL stints. A lingering hamstring injury from June plagued him for the remainder of the season. A fully healthy Friedl—nicknamed “Captain Chaos”—will be vital to the Reds’ success in 2025.
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