As the weekend draws to a close, we stay in the NL Central and take a look at the Cincinnati Reds. After years of darkness, the Reds finally found some light last season as they finished 82-80 after some exciting performances from their new young core. Rookies Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Elly De La Cruz all helped lead the turnaround for this once proud franchise and kept them in contention until the end of the campaign. They’re looking to put those pieces and many more together this season so the Reds can take another step forward towards the playoffs. They’ve made a few additions this offseason in the interest of boosting this groups chances. Jeimer Candelario and Frankie Montas come in from the Cubs and Yankees to aid the rotation and lineup, while they will likely introduce more of their talented youngsters to regular playing time. Let’s dive into the breakdown.

Keys to Success

1. The Pitching Staff Improves: The Reds were a good offensive team last year, but they need their pitching staff to match that output. Last year’s group underwhelmed and will be looking for a turn around this season, led by flamethrower Hunter Greene. While Greene is expected to be the ace, the rest of the rotation spots will be won in a spring training competition amongst some talented arms.

2. Steady Elly: The excitement around the Reds really began last year when Elly De La Cruz burst onto the scene. He was absolutely electrifying making some stunning plays in the field and running the bases like very few players do anymore. But with exciting peaks came some disappointing valleys where errors and strikeouts entered his game. EDLC needs to steady the ship and bring more consistency to his game for the Reds to have more success this coming season.

3. Bullpen Keeps it on Lock: Last year’s bullpen was featured some talented arms but struggled at times to finish off games. Closer Alexis Diaz (Edwin’s brother) aside, the Reds pen became known for ugly finishes and coughing up the lead in a game they once led by nine against the Pirates. They have to improve this year in a big way, so they don’t undercut the rest of the group’s contributions.

The Lineup

1. TJ Friedl CF

2. Matt McLain 2B

3. Spencer Steer LF

4. Jeimer Candelario 1B

5. Jonathan India DH

6. Elly De La Cruz SS

7. Noelvi Marte 3B

8. Will Benson RF

9. Tyler Stephenson C

The Staff

1. Hunter Greene

2. Graham Ashcraft

3. Frankie Montas

4. Andrew Abbott

5. Nick Lodolo

The Prediction

83 Wins

I think this Reds squad will be right on the fringe of the playoffs this year. The NL is awfully crowded, and it will be difficult to make it to the playoffs amongst a crowded field. I expect them to battle the Cubs to the finish for the NL Central crown but ultimately fall short of the division and the wild card. They’re probably a year away from true contention as they are held back by this pitching staff, but they should be a joy to watch.

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