Cincinnati Reds pitcher Amir Garret already had high hopes for the Reds in 2019. With their recent trade, Garrett is feeling even better about the team next year.
One could certainly understand where Amir Garrett would feel positive about the Cincinnati Reds moving forward. Despite playing in the tough NL Central, the Reds had added Tanner Roark, helping improve the rotation. There was a young nucleus in place, and if those players could take a step forward, the Reds could have been a sleeper team for the coming year.
Then came the blockbuster trade with the Dodgers. Now, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood, and Yasiel Puig on the roster, the Reds are much improved. Understandably, Garrett’s excitement has only increased, to the point where he feels the Reds are poised to make some noise in the Central.
I love the negativity and the doubt. The players that just got added to our roster will make us better. We were already gonna have a breakout year 2019. They just made us better. I’m saying it. Y’all can quote me, save the tweet. Whatever, but we about to make some noise.
— CountOnAG (@Amir_Garrett) December 22, 2018
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For Garrett, he is part of what could be a three headed monster in the back of the Reds bullpen. Added to Raisel Iglesias and Jared Hughes, the Reds could have a formidable trio if Garrett continues to progress. Last season was certainly a step in the right direction, as he posted a 4.45 ERA, despite a promising 1.286 WHiP and 71 strikeouts over 63 innings. He appears to have found his role.
There is still room for the Reds to improve. They are aiming for additional help in the starting rotation, having been linked to Dallas Keuchel since the start of free agency. As excited as Garrett may be now, another signing could push him even further into ecstasy.
If the Reds are going to surprise everyone in 2019, the bullpen will be a key part of that success. The younger players on the roster will need to take steps forward, but Garrett may prove to be the biggest key. Based on his reaction to the Reds moves thus far, and his excitement for the coming year, that appears to be a challenge he is ready for.
Amir Garrett feels that the Cincinnati Reds are ready to surprise the baseball world next year. If that happens, he will be a key part of their success.