The predictions are not favorably for the Cincinnati Reds for the 2024 season. The team comes in with an interesting dynamic. There are some explosive pieces in the lineup but the pitching staff leaves much to be desired. Let’s get into it.

2023 SEASON IN-REVIEW

Record: 82-80, 3rd in NL Central

Postseason: N/A

It was a 20-game jump for the Reds after winning just 62 games in 2022. It was another year without postseason baseball in Cincinnati. The Reds made the playoffs during the shortened pandemic season in 2020 but outside of that fluky season has not qualified for the postseason since 2013.

2024 SEASON PREVIEW

Key Losses: 1B Joey Votto, RF Hunter Renfroe, CF Harrison Bader, CF Nick Senzel

Key Additions: 3B Jeimer Candelario, RP Nick Martinez, SP Frankie Montas, RP Brent Suter

The jump in 2023 might give some Reds’ fans hope for the 2024 season. Some have quickly been derailed by preseason predictions but there is a lot to be happy about with this lineup. The pitching staff, that’s different story.

Let’s start with the positive. Elly De La Cruz emerged as one of the most exciting players in baseball last season. He is expected to be the next franchise player in Cincinnati. Jonathan India is a former Rookie of the Year but has missed some time over the last few years. He signed a small extension with the Reds so he will be manning his spot in the lineup for years to come. Enter Matt McLain and Jeimer Candelario and the lineup for the Reds has a chance to surprise some people.

Nick Krall, President of Baseball Operations in Cincinnati, has made productive moves to build the team for the future. This includes Frankie Montas on a one-year deal. Candelario also has a deal that will end before De La Cruz enters arbitration.

Krall has also avoided jumping at expensive contracts that might look bad toward the end, specifically Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. Instead, the Reds could look to make a trade midseason if they are competing. Dylan Cease and Shane Bieber are just a couple names that could be available.

That will be a priority for the Reds if they keep their head above water early. Despite winning 82 games last season, Cincinnati had one of the worst staffs in the league. The Reds had the sixth-highest team ERA in baseball at 4.83. Greene came into the league with electric stuff but remains a bit raw at 24 years old. He has compiled a record of 9-20 in two years with a career ERA of 4.62. The addition of Montas gives the Reds another option in the middle of the rotation that can eat innings.

If the Reds are going to improve, it will be on the back of a strong lineup and potential moves made midseason. If the team is going to regress, it will be because of the pitching staff. Right now preseason, it seems like the latter is the scenario that is the most possible.

Potential Starting Lineup

1. TJ Friedl, OF
2. Matt McLain, 2B
3. Spencer Steer, OF
4. Jeimer Candelario, 1B
5. Jonathan India, DH
6. Elly De La Cruz, SS
7. Noelvi Marte, 3B
8. Will Benson, OF
9. Tyler Stephenson, C

Potential Rotation

• Hunter Greene
• Graham Ashcraft
• Frankie Montas
• Andrew Abbott/Nick Martinez
• Nick Lodolo/Brandon Williamson

Final Record Prediction: 76-86