Are they contending or retooling?
Five issues facing the Reds:
Pick a direction: It was only two years ago when the Reds made their biggest free agency splash in franchise history, signing Nick Castellanos, Mike Moustakas, Shogo Akiyama and Wade Miley to multiyear contracts worth $164 million. It seemed like the beginning of an all-in push as the organization looked for its first postseason series victory since 1995.
Then the Reds cut payroll during the past two winters. A season without fans in 2020 affected ownership’s thinking, but parting with key members of their bullpen may have cost them a playoff spot last season. Now the Reds are stuck in a place where they’re not a contender for a playoff spot and, as general manager Nick Krall said, looking to “align payroll with our resources.”
Fifth starter?
Miley was arguably the Reds’ best pitcher last season, finishing with a 12-7 record and a 3.37 ERA, and he was popular in the clubhouse. The Reds passed on a $10 million club option and placed him on waivers, where he was claimed by a division rival, the Cubs.
It opened a spot in the rotation and the Reds’ top internal options are Reiver Sanmartin (two career starts), Tony Santillan (four career starts before moved to bullpen), and Hunter Greene (top prospect).
Bullpen help: It was the team’s biggest weakness last season, posting a collective 4.99 ERA with 25 blown saves. As the front office addressed the issue during the trade deadline, acquiring three relievers, co-closers Michael Lorenzen and Mychal Givens departed through free agency.
Lucas Sims is probably the top option for closer, but they’re light on proven options. Amir Garrett is coming off the worst season of his career. Tejay Antone is out for the 2022 season because of Tommy John surgery. The Reds are relying on Art Warren and Luis Cessa to build off their solid seasons.
Third
base: This is a position that should be the team’s strength. The last two years, however, have been a stunning decline for Eugenio Suárez, and Moustakas has been limited by injuries. Suárez, asked to play out of position at
OFFSEASON OUTLOOK
The Reds, who staggered down the stretch and missed the postseason, are weighing whether to enter a rebuild as they shed payroll. They’re listening to trade offers for starting pitchers Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray and Tyler Mahle.
2021 record
83-79; third place, NL Central
shortstop for the first month of last season, had a career-worst .198 batting average and a .713 OPS.
Moustakas wasn’t any better and he played only 62 games.
Joey Votto had a resurgent season and Jonathan India won Rookie of the Year. An improved Suárez and/or Moustakas would go a long way for a lineup that is without Castellanos.
Senzel status: It’s a make-or-break season for Nick Senzel, the No. 2 pick in the 2016 MLB draft. He hasn’t played more than 119 games in any of his major league or minor league seasons because of a variety of injuries. The Reds want him to fill center field, but he hasn’t hit consistently in the big leagues when he’s been healthy.