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.