Cincinnati Reds 2018 Season Preview
The Cincinnati Reds are in the midst of a rebuild, and are seemingly a long way from contending. However, the end of the rebuild may be in sight.
Based on the results from last year, the Cincinnati Reds rebuild is still in full swing. Cincinnati had a 68-94 record in 2017, and would seemingly be far away from contending. Joey Votto‘s prime is potentially being wasted, mired on a team in mediocrity with no end in sight.
Even though it may not have reflected in their record, there were quite a few strides made, particularly in the lineup. Eugenio Suarez became a key part of the lineup, and was rewarded with a contract extension. Scooter Gennett showed solid pop from second base, including a four home run game. With prospects Jesse Winker and Nick Senzel on the cusp of making an impact, the lineup should be strong for years to come.
Yet, the biggest questions have been on the pitching staff. The Reds are starting to see some progress in the rotation. Luis Castillo appears to be ready to become one of the best young pitchers in the game. Sal Romano, Robert Stephenson, and Tyler Mahle has shown promise. If Cincinnati can get anything from the oft injured Homer Bailey and Anthony DeSclafini, the rotation could become a strength.
The Cincinnati Reds may not be ready to contend in 2018, but the end to the rebuild is in sight. However, in a tough NL Central, the results may not reflect that progress this year.
Cincinnati Reds additions and subtractions
Key additions: Jared Hughes, Oliver Perez, Ben Revere
Newcomer to watch: Jared Hughes. The Cincinnati Reds had a relatively quiet offseason by design, but their one major league free agent still bears watching.
The signing of Hughes will help strengthen the Reds bullpen. Last season, he was a key part of the Brewers bullpen, posting a 3.02 ERA and a 1.223 WHiP, striking out 48 batters in his 59.2 innings of work. The Reds are also looking to the future with Hughes, signing him to a two year deal with an option for 2020. If the rebuild takes off, Hughes could prove to be a vital part of a contending bullpen.
Last year, the Reds bullpen ranked 27th with a 4.65 ERA and 24th with a 1.40 WHiP. Opponents had a combined .248/.335/.417 batting line with 89 homers against Reds relievers. Jared Hughes will not solve all of those problems himself, but his presence will help get the Reds relief corps on track.
Biggest losses: Zack Cozart, Scott Feldman
Biggest loss: Zack Cozart. In a perfectly timed career season, Zack Cozart was able to cash in during free agency, signing a three year contract with the Angels.
Last season, Cozart impressed as he made his first All Star Game. His .297/.385/.548 batting line, 24 homers, seven triples, and 80 runs scored were all career bests. Cozart also continued his strong play at short, saving four runs while continuing to make all the plays expected on the diamond. Even though he will play third in Los Angeles, he was quite the excellent defensive shortstop in Cincinnati.
In his place, the Cincinnati Reds currently have Jose Peraza listed atop the depth chart at short. This is a major downgrade, as Peraza cost the Reds eight runs defensively, and produced a meager .259/.297/.324 batting line. He did steal 23 bases, but as Billy Hamilton has proved, the speed does not matter if he cannot get on base. After Cozart’s strong performance in 2017, Peraza will be a disappointment.
What to expect from the Cincinnati Reds in 2018
The Cincinnati Reds have not done much this offseason. However, the payoff will be coming in the future.
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Some of the pieces are already in place for the Reds. With Joey Votto, Eugenio Suarez, and Scooter Gennett, the Reds are starting to put together a solid core. Adding prospects Jesse Winker and Nick Senzel to that trio could help the Reds as soon as this coming season.
While the lineup is getting stroner, the 2018 season may be about determining which pitchers can be a part of the Reds future. Luis Castillo looks like an ace in the making, and Tyler Mahle and Robert Stephenson may have bright futures. Amir Garrett will get a chance to earn a spot in the rotation as well, although he could become a dominant weapon in the bullpen. Raisel Iglesias handled the transition to the bullpen well, becoming a solid closer in his own right. Several pieces are starting to emerge, but the Reds need to find more pitching.
Given that the Reds are playing in a tough division, the expectations for the coming season should be tempered. It would take a Vatican certified miracle for Cincinnati to compete in 2018, but that does not mean that the year cannot be a success. Instead, success will be measured in progress, and in finding more pieces to the future core.
Next: Where does Senzel fit in the future?
The Cincinnati Reds may be in for a rough 2018 in regards to their record. That does not mean that the year cannot turn out positively. Prediction: Fifth place in the NL Central.