Christian Encarnacion-Strand

CES got the Opening Day start at first base for the Reds in 2025 and homered in his second game but quickly landed on the injured list with low-back inflammation. He returned with eight hits, including three homers, in his first four games back in June before slashing .179/.207/.250 over his subsequent 17 games to earn a ticket back to the minors. Encarnacion-Strand was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on July 12, never to be seen again at the major-league level. Manager Terry Francona told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com at the time of the demotion that "there was just way too much chase," and the first baseman continued to strike out roughly a quarter of the time during his time at Triple-A. The fact that Cincinnati didn't bring him back in September is telling. His power is significant, but the swing-and-miss tendencies create a real uphill battle over a sustained period. Now 26, Encarnacion-Strand is likely on the outside looking in for a roster spot out of spring training, and the clock is ticking on his 40-man status. Read Past Outlooks