X-FACTORS: Cincinnati Reds Must TRUST Matt McLain and Noelvi Marte to IGNITE 2026 SEASON

When can Cincinnati Reds fans truly trust a breakout season from Noelvi Marte or expect a bounce-back from Matt McLain? MLB scout Tyler Gibbons joins Jeff to break down what separates a hot streak from a sustainable leap. Get expert insight on Marte’s transition to right field, McLain’s leadership and work ethic after an injury-riddled year, and why advanced stats suggest better days ahead for the Reds’ young core. The conversation explores underrated prospects like Edwin Arroyo and Alfredo Duno, and what fans should really watch for during spring training—hint: it’s not just about batting average. Tyler Gibbons offers a behind-the-scenes look at scouting catchers and reveals why athlete versatility is redefining the Reds’ development strategy. Don’t miss this scout’s-eye view on the next wave of Cincinnati Reds stars and the key factors shaping the 2026 roster. 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 – Reds Breakouts & X-Factors05:54 – Matt McLain Leadership & Outlook14:11 – Edwin Arroyo Outlook22:40 - Alfredo Duno and Scouting Catchers 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 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.