As the 2024 MLB season winds down, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves in a familiar and frustrating position. Despite showing promise at different points in the season, the Reds' current standing of 73-77 solidifies their position outside the playoff picture. With only 14 games remaining and trailing the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers by 14 games, the Reds have been officially eliminated from division contention. Even in the National League wild-card race, the Reds are nine games out of the final playoff spot, and according to SportsLine, their postseason chances stand at a disheartening 0.0%.
The Reds’ offense ranks eighth in the National League in runs scored, indicative of a lineup capable of production but not consistently at the level needed to compete with the league’s top teams. Their ranking of eleventh in the National League in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging) further underscores this point. Injuries have also played a significant role in the Reds' struggles. They are eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and have had an unfortunate number of players requiring stints on the IL. This combination of inconsistent offensive performance and significant injuries has been a catalyst in their underwhelming season.
Manager David Bell, who has been at the helm since October 2018, faces lingering questions about his future with the Reds. He is signed through 2026, but the statements from Nick Krall, the team’s general manager, suggest a period of evaluation is looming. “He's got a contract for next year. As of right now, we're going to evaluate everything at the end of the year and see what we have to do to move forward,” Krall remarked. This evaluation period will be crucial not just for Bell, but for the entire Reds organization as they assess their path to becoming legitimate contenders.
The Reds had a slightly more successful 2023 season, ending with an 82-80 record. However, the regression in 2024 has raised questions about the construction and depth of the team. The margin between their moderate success last year and the current struggles this season is striking, prompting many to wonder what changes need to be made to bridge that gap and establish consistent winning ways.
This end-of-season review will inevitably focus on both the positives and negatives from 2024. A bright spot has been the offensive production that ranks them eighth in the National League in runs. This shows a promising foundation that, with the right adjustments and a healthier roster, could develop into a more formidable force in the league.
Additionally, the Reds' disappointing ranking in total days lost to injury and the number of players requiring IL stints highlights a critical area of concern. Addressing the physical well-being and conditioning of the roster will undoubtedly be a priority to prevent a repeat of this season's injury woes.
As the Reds look to rebuild and strategize for the seasons ahead, many eyes will be on the decisions made by management and how effectively they can navigate these turbulent waters. Can David Bell adapt and steer a more successful course? Will the front office make the necessary adjustments, both in player personnel and in creating a more robust and resilient roster?
The Reds' leadership has a pivotal offseason ahead, where evaluating every aspect of the team's performance and synergy will be vital. The optimism of new strategies and improved health could lend to a more competitive 2025. However, the frustrations of the 2024 season serve as a stark reminder that potential alone isn't enough—it must translate into tangible, on-field success. The Cincinnati Reds and their faithful fans will be eagerly watching to see if the necessary changes can foster a transformation into a playoff contender in the near future.