Reds HOFer expects Elly De La Cruz to flourish under Terry Francona, gives verdict on Cincinnati rotation ft. Hunter Greene, Brady Singer

The Cincinnati Reds have been busy since the start of the offseason. Their biggest signing has not been in their roster but in the support staff as they are bringing in two-time World Series-winning manager Terry Francona.

As per Sean Casey on "The Mayor's Office" podcast, Terry "Tito" Francona's addition will particularly help their star shortstop Elly De La Cruz. The 22-year-old posted a 20-60 season in 2024 and came in eighth in the National League MVP voting. Casey also suggested that Matt McLain coming back after an injury-shortened season will help the clubhouse.

"I think Elly De La Cruz will flourish with Tito, there's no doubt about it," Casey said. "McLain coming back for me, dude, that guy — he's the heartbeat of that club. I really believe that him coming back's going to be absolutely huge."

Casey added that the Reds' rotation is filled with flamethrowers who could make a difference on the field. Currently, they have Hunter Greene as their ace, Nick Lodolo and Andrew Ashcraft coming back from last year. They also traded Jonathan India for Brady Singer this offseason and have backup arms like Nick Martinez.

"...Dude, that rotation I think is going to be a top-of-the-line rotation with Greene at the top. You know, you're bringing in Singer. If Lodolo can stay healthy too, he's one of the nastiest guys in the league. Dude, he's nasty — Leander, dude, nasty. If he can stay healthy, Abbott's got great stuff. They got great stuff, they got great guys. Nick Martinez can be a swingman. They got great guys in that rotation," he added.

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Terry Francona on turning Elly De La Cruz into one of the best in the game

Last month in an interview with MLB Network, Terry Francona opened up about his conversation with De La Cruz after joining the staff. The veteran manager firmly believes in making him one of the best in the sport while simultaneously making the Reds better.

"I asked Elly, I said, 'What's important to you?'" Francona told MLB Network Radio. "He said he wants to be one of the best players in the game. I said, 'I want that to happen and I want it to be on one of the best teams in the game'".

Francona led the storied Boston Red Sox to a drought-ending World Series in 2004 and followed it up with another in 2007. In his spell with the Cleveland Guardians, he helped the team to their first World Series in 76 years.

Currently, the Reds hold a 29-year postseason drought which they would love to break.

How do you think the Cincinnati Reds will fare next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.