Cincinnati Reds Have Some Decisions to Make for 2018
By David Hill
Building a pitching staff
The old saying is that pitching wins championships. If so, the Cincinnati Reds are about as far from the postseason as any team in the National League.
Last year, the Reds pitching staff finished the year with a 5.17 ERA, better than only the Detroit Tigers. Luis Castillo was the only pitcher to make five or more starts and have an ERA+ better than 100. The bullpen was also a disaster, as even the brilliance of Raisel Iglesias and the emergence Wandy Peralta could not save their relievers.
However, the Reds should improve in 2018, even if it may not show in the results. Castillo looks like a key piece moving forward. Brandon Finnegan and Anthony DeSclafani should be healthy, and would provide a major boost to the rotation. However, they still have a number of question marks, especially given Homer Bailey‘s continued struggles.
Likewise, the Reds need a few arms to step up in the bullpen, especially if they trade Iglesias. Luke Farrell may develop into a late inning option if he does not return to the rotation, but there are few viable relievers currently in Cincinnati. A couple of low cost free agents could work to fill out the relief corps, especially if they can be flipped for prospects at the deadline.
The 2018 campaign will still be a period of evaluations for the Cincinnati Reds when it comes to pitching. However, they may be able to start to piece together the basis of their future pitching staff.