4. Cincinnati Reds
In a quest to become relevant once again. the Cincinnati Reds made a flurry of moves to improve the roster. They have certainly done just that.
Although the Reds were quiet in free agency, they were one of the more active teams in the trade market. The rotation received a major upgrade, with Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark, and Alex Wood all being added to the pitching staff. Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp were added to the outfield. Michael Lorenzen is the latest player to attempt to become a two way option, as the reliever is learning the outfield.
Even with these additions, there are plenty of questions around the Reds. With Billy Hamilton being let go, the Reds really do not have a true center fielder. Scott Schebler is listed as the starter, but top prospect Nick Senzel has been learning the position, as has Lorenzen. The rotation is certainly better, but Gray flamed out with the Yankees, and Roark has been inconsistent.
The Reds have a strong bullpen, and should be able to score enough runs with their impressive lineup. Their hopes for the 2019 MLB season come down to the success of those additions to the rotation. They are banking on a turnaround from Gray, to the tune of three years and $30 million, but Roark and Wood are one year rentals. Anthony DeSclafani, their one time top of the rotation starter, came back after missing nearly two years with injuries, and should be better this season. But is that enough?
The Cincinnati Reds have improved heading into this season. Unfortunately, it may not be enough to return to the postseason for the first time since 2013.