#19
The Cincinnati Reds have been building up a strong farm system over the last couple years, but their on-field production has been lacking. Will bringing in some veteran leadership finally bring about the change in the Reds' fortunes they have been waiting for?
2018 Predictions
5th in NL Central
This will be Bryan Price's last season as the Reds' manager.
2018 Results
67-95, 5th in NL Central
Last season was Bryan Price's fifth season as the Reds manager, and only lasted 18 games. Apparently, losing over 90 games every season finally wasn't good enough. The Reds, and especially their pitching staff, have been underwhelming all throughout his tenure. It was long past time to move on. There were some breakout performances from players like Scooter Gennett and Eugenio Suarez.
Additions / Subtractions
Rarely do you see a team with a streak of losing like this become buyers in the offseason. However, that is exactly what happened with the Reds and their new manager David Bell. They made several blockbuster trades to make them interesting. They acquired Tanner Roark from the Nationals and Sonny Gray from the Yankees. Then, in what might be the biggest surprise of the offseason, the Reds sent Homer Bailey (who was quickly released) to the Dodgers for Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, and Alex Wood. The only other notable subtractions were speedster Billy Hamilton and starter Matt Harvey.
Most Important Hitter
Yasiel Puig
The Reds made some big moves in the offseason to help change their culture. So they picked up one of the most polarizing players in the big leagues over the last decade. When Yasiel Puig is on, he is one of the best in the league. When Puig is off, he is bad and a distraction. If nothing else, Puig is exciting. He is instantly the most interesting player on the Reds and might be able to anchor their lineup with Joey Votto, It all depends on what Puig shows up. Maybe the change of scenery will be good for him.
Most Important Pitcher
Sonny Gray
For a struggling pitching staff, a proven commodity is exactly what they need. Sonny Gray has had a bit of a rocky road over the last year or so. He started 2017 in Oakland before being traded mid-season to the Yankees. In 2018, he struggled greatly in the Bronx with one of his worst seasons as a professional. The Reds acquired him with the idea that a change of scenery, and a reunion with his college pitching coach, will bring him back to his All Star level. If he does, he may stabilize this entire pitching staff.
Prospect to Watch
Nick Senzel
The second overall pick in the 2016 Draft, Nick Senzel is the 6th best prospect in the league and about ready to break out when given the opportunity. He tore up AAA in 2018 with a .310 average. The only problem is his two positions, second and third base, currently have two of the Reds best hitters in Gennett and Suarez. This season, either one of them will be moved or Senzel will be sen t off to bring back more veterans that can help now.
2019 Prediction
4th in NL Central
All the moves the Reds made this offseason definitely have them moving in the right direction for the first time in awhile. The problem is their division might have two or three playoff teams in it with possibly every team finishing above .500. They will compete, which is more than could be said of them for the last five years. However, their division will keep them away from the playoffs. They will still be a fun team to watch all season though.
Fearless Prediction
Scooter Gennett will be traded mid-season.
This team is headed in the right direction for sure, but it doesn't mean they can't continue to seel off some pieces and rebuild. With Nick Senzel waiting in the wings, Scooter has a chance to be expendable and bring back an impressive haul. Look for him to be available and possibly moved by the Deadline.
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