As the 2024 Major League Baseball season draws to a close, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves in a familiar yet unenviable position. With a standing of 73-77, the Reds have mathematically eliminated their chance of catching up to the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, who are 14 games ahead. With just 14 games remaining in the season, the Reds’ hopes for a divisional title or even a wild-card spot have dissipated.
This season's performance marks a setback from what appeared to be a promising end to 2023, where the Reds finished with a respectable 82-80 record. Despite the optimism carried over into the new season, the Reds have not managed to deliver, reinforcing the need for a thorough offseason evaluation.
Struggling Offense
Although the Reds lineup showed potential, ranking eighth in the National League in runs scored, their inconsistency proved costly. They also positioned eleventh in the National League in OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging), indicating inefficiency in getting players on base and driving them home. This offensive struggle, compounded with injuries, did not help the Reds' cause. In fact, they are eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and also eighth in the number of players requiring stints on the Injured List (IL).
The injuries have undoubtedly played a crucial role in the Reds' struggles this season, but the team’s inability to find a rhythm on offense has been a significant factor. As they head into the offseason, this will be a primary area that management looks to address.
Leadership and Evaluation
Reds manager David Bell, who has been at the helm since October 2018, carries a contract that extends through 2026. Despite a turbulent season, his future with the team appears secure for the time being. Nick Krall, the Reds’ General Manager, indicated as much in his recent comments, saying, "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’s statement underscores a comprehensive review process that will take place once the season concludes. Every aspect of the team—from player performance to coaching strategies—will come under the microscope as the Reds strive to create a more competitive lineup for the next season.
A Gloomy Postseason Outlook
With the National League wild-card race tightening, the Reds find themselves nine games out of the final playoff spot. SportsLine estimates the Reds' postseason chances at a disheartening 0.0%. While the team still has games to play, the focus will undoubtedly shift towards planning for the future, rather than a miracle run in the final weeks of the season.
The grim postseason prospects are an undeniable letdown for a fanbase that has been craving October baseball. The last few seasons have been a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance quickly overshadowed by prolonged stretches of mediocrity.
Looking Ahead
As another disappointing season winds down, the Cincinnati Reds have crucial decisions to make. Evaluating the current roster and identifying areas needing improvement will be pivotal for the franchise moving forward. The management will have to address the frequent injuries that plagued the team and bolster both the offensive and defensive units to compete effectively in the upcoming seasons.
While this year may not end on a high note, the Reds' organization and their dedicated fanbase will hope that the insights gained during this challenging season can serve as a foundation for a brighter future.