BREAKOUT: Cincinnati Reds Must LOCK IN Matt McLain Before His Value EXPLODES This Season

Cincinnati Reds face a pivotal moment as Matt McLain’s contract becomes the centerpiece of offseason strategy. Should the front office take a gamble and secure McLain before his stock skyrockets, or risk losing a potential franchise leader? Hunter Greene’s new two-seam fastball could be the key to unlocking Cy Young-level dominance, ramping up expectations for a breakout campaign.   Steve and Jeff break down Reds spring training highlights, spotlighting changes in player mentality, leadership roles, and the importance of early-season preparation. Key topics include McLain’s rebound projections, Greene’s evolving arsenal, the team’s approach to pitcher readiness under Terry Francona, and what fans should focus on in spring contests. With a young core and crucial contract decisions looming, will Cincinnati Reds capitalize on their momentum, or miss an opportunity to build long-term success?   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   00:00 - Matt McClain Extension Talk 09:26 - Hunter Greene's New Pitch 20:37 - What Matters in Spring Training games   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   Turbo Tax For 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.   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 Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.   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.