Oh boy, the Reds’ rollercoaster last year was something else, wasn’t it? After a dismal 100-game loss in 2022, they were sitting at a not-so-great 21-29 by Memorial Day weekend. But then, bam! They snagged five wins straight out of nowhere. Though, true to form, they stumbled with four losses right after.
Suddenly, they caught fire, winning 15 out of their next 17 games. It was like watching a phoenix rising from the ashes – for a brief moment, they were the darlings of baseball. That 11-10 victory over the Braves on June 23? Pure magic. It marked their 12th consecutive win and nudged them 1 1/2 games ahead in the NL Central.
Fast forward a few weeks, and they’re off to Milwaukee, holding a two-game lead over the Brewers. But, oh, the drama that unfolded! In the span of two series around the All-Star break, the Brewers got the best of them, winning five out of six games. Despite a few more highs, the Reds’ lead started to slip away, especially after those games against the Brewers, who would go on to clinch the division.
Yet, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. The Reds managed to up their game by a whopping 20 wins compared to 2022, thanks in no small part to a bumper crop of rookies. Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Elly De La Cruz even snagged some Rookie of the Year votes. And let’s not forget the significant contributions from Andrew Abbott and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.
In the offseason, the Reds didn’t just sit back. They brought in Jeimer Candelario, adding some veteran flair and a switch-hitting power to their lineup. Plus, they beefed up both the rotation and bullpen with several signings. They’re clearly gunning to break their playoff droughts, having not seen postseason action in a full season since 2013 or clinched the NL Central since 2012. And let’s not even talk about how long it’s been since they advanced past a playoff round.
Win total projection, odds
Their 2023 record? A respectable 82-80, landing them third in the NL Central. The 2024 SportsLine has their over/under win total at 80.5, with World Series odds sitting at +5500. Not too shabby, right?
Projected lineup
The lineup’s looking pretty solid, with Matt McLain at 2B and Elly De La Cruz at SS leading the charge. Spencer Steer’s out in LF, with Jake Fraley holding down RF. Jeimer Candelario’s at 3B, with Jonathan India as DH. Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s covering 1B, Will Benson’s in CF, and Tyler Stephenson’s behind the plate. Unfortunately, TJ Friedl’s starting the season on the injured list with a broken wrist, but he’ll be back in action soon enough. And despite Noelvi Marte’s 80-game suspension for a PED violation, there’s still plenty of season left for him once he returns.
Projected rotation
The rotation’s looking promising with RHP Frankie Montas and Hunter Greene leading the pack. Graham Ashcraft and Nick Martinez are in there too, with LHP Andrew Abbott rounding it out. Nick Lodolo’s on his way back from a stress reaction, and it’ll be interesting to see how the lineup shifts upon his return. Brandon Williamson’s also in the mix, adding even more depth.
Projected bullpen
Sam Moll and Ian Gibaut are sidelined with injuries at the moment, but they’re expected to contribute significantly once they’re back in action.
How do the kids hold up?
This starting lineup is brimming with talent, but the real question is, are they ready for the grueling 162-game marathon? It’s one thing to have talent, but it’s another to endure the long haul of a full season. McLain’s already showing signs of brilliance, despite being a bit banged up. De La Cruz has those moments where he looks like an MVP, though his last 32 games left a bit to be desired. Encarnacion-Strand, Steer, Benson, and Friedl all have limited MLB experience, which could be a double-edged sword. There’s so much potential, but also, potentially, a few more growing pains.
Breakout season for Greene leads rotation?
Last season’s starting pitcher ERA was a sore spot, but Greene’s looking like he could turn that around. At just 24, he’s already shown glimpses of his top-tier potential. If he, along with Montas and the rest of the rotation, can find their groove, the Reds’ pitching could be a force to be reckoned with.
And what about a successful season? Well, another 20-game improvement might be a stretch, but there’s plenty of reason to believe in better days ahead. The offense might be hit or miss, but when they’re on, they could be unstoppable. It’s not just about making the playoffs; it’s about seeing significant growth from the young talent. If players like De La Cruz, McLain, Greene, and the rest step up, playoff dreams could very well become a reality.
So, yeah, making the playoffs? That’s the goal. But it’s gonna be one heck of a ride getting there.
