Cincinnati Reds Countdown to Opening Day! Cincinnati Bengals have become Indefensible | OTB 3.25.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 25, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds have wrapped up their spring training in Goodyear, Arizona, finishing with a 12-17-1 record in the Cactus League. Despite the losing tally, the focus was on preparation rather than results, culminating in a strong 13-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in their final game. Key performances highlighted the camp: shortstop Elly De La Cruz thrived, slashing .452/.553/.839 with six extra-base hits and six stolen bases, showcasing his superstar potential. Outfielder Austin Hays led the team with 14 RBIs and a .310 average, proving his value as a cleanup hitter. Pitching-wise, Hunter Greene, set to start Opening Day on March 27 against the San Francisco Giants, struck out six in four innings during his penultimate tune-up. Nick Lodolo also impressed in the finale, signaling rotation strength. However, injuries impacted the roster—Andrew Abbott, Spencer Steer, and Tyler Stephenson will start the season on the IL, opening spots for prospects like Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn. Under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds emphasized farm system development and organizational unity, aiming to end their playoff drought since 2020 as they head back to Cincinnati. In March 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals secured their star wide receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with lucrative long-term contracts, ensuring quarterback Joe Burrow’s top targets remain in place. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback at $40.25 million annually, with $73.9 million fully guaranteed at signing and $112 million total guaranteed. His deal includes a $41.17 million base salary and roster bonuses for 2025, with cash flow structured to deliver $105 million over three years, heavily front-loaded for flexibility. Higgins, previously on a franchise tag, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, averaging $28.75 million per year, the highest for a No. 2 receiver. His deal features $30 million fully guaranteed at signing, including a $20 million roster bonus in 2025, though his $13.8 million 2025 base salary remains unguaranteed, offering the Bengals an out after one year if needed. The Bengals deviated from their traditional signing bonus-heavy structure, opting for significant guarantees to appease Burrow’s public push to retain both players. While this locks in their offensive core through 2029 (Chase) and 2028 (Higgins), critics note the team could have saved millions by acting earlier, as delays inflated costs amid a rising receiver market.