Cincinnati Reds could still win the depleted NL Central

Despite an offseason that was spent mostly in sell mode, the Cincinnati Reds still have an excellent chance to win a depleted NL Central.

The Cincinnati Reds spent most of the offseason taking offers for virtually everyone on their roster. The likes of Sonny Gray, Eugenio Suarez, Mike Moustakas, and even Luis Castillo had found themselves on the trade block. Rasiel Iglesias had already been traded away in a cost cutting move. It appeared as though the Reds were going to rebuild despite reaching the postseason in 2020.

And then the rest of the NL Central followed suit. To this point, the biggest free agent signing has been Daniel Robertson. The Cubs and Pirates are rebuilding, while the Brewers and Cardinals have done virtually nothing during the offseason.

This flurry of inactivity puts the Reds in a strange situation. For as much as they may want to sell pieces off, they still have an excellent chance to win the division. Cincinnati’s roster still has the potential to be dangerous, especially in a weaker division.

Yes, there are still several holes on the roster. Trevor Bauer is likely heading elsewhere as the Reds have not displayed a willingness to spend thus far in free agency. There is a major hole in the back of the bullpen with Iglesias’ departure. And the Reds need to find an answer at shortstop, for both the long and short term.

Even if the Reds are not interested in signing long term deals, there are plenty of options available in free agency. Pitchers such as Chris Archer or Carlos Rodon could be willing to take a one year deal to prove themselves before re-entering free agency and could fill a void in the Reds rotation. Likewise, bringing Freddy Galvis back would fill the void at short for a year. And there are still plenty of closers to be had.

Frankly, that may be enough. The rest of the division appears to be determined to reset their rosters this year, leaving the NL Central wide open. All it may take is for one team to step up and add a few players to plug the gaps on their roster.

The Cincinnati Reds already have a solid core. It may take just two or three players for them to take the division.