The next team that we are going to be adding to the hall of shame is going to be the Cincinnati Reds. They are without a doubt in the process of a full rebuild, and that makes for some pretty ugly seasons. With their recent fire sale, the Reds have dealt out more players than can be counted by the average person. By doing this, they are not going to be able to win games quite yet. However, the Cincinnati Reds have young players that give fans something to look forward to in the future. For now, they are considered rock bottom in the MLB.
Projected Starting Lineup/Pitching Rotation:
TJ Friedl – OF
Jonathan India – 2B
Tyler Stephenson – C
Wil Myers – DH
Joey Votto – 1B
Jake Fraley – OF
Spencer Steer – 3B
Kevin Newman – SS
Nick Senzel – OF
ROTATION:
Why look forward to this lineup?
The Reds, like most teams on this list of bottom of the barrel MLB teams, do not have a star-studded lineup. By looking at this lineup you might not think that there is much of anything to get excited about. However, there are some bright spots to it that should get Reds fans a bit excited. For example, Jonathan India is a premier second baseman in the league. The 2021 MLB Rookie of the Year was plagued with injury last season and never got into mid season form. He hs proven to be a great bat, and also smooth with the glove.
Another strong point in the lineup is Tyler Stephenson, who is arguably a top five hitting catcher in the league. Like India, Stephenson has been heavily affected by injury throughout his career. The Reds have shown signs of being open to DHing him, along with placing him at 1B to prevent those injuries.
The Reds have a couple of veterans in the clubhouse as well: Joey Votto and Wil Myers. Wil Myers will be playing his first season with Cincinnati this year, but has had a very successful career and will definitely provide leadership that the young players and prospects in the Reds’ organization needs. Joey Votto is in his last year of his large contract, largest in Reds history at ten years, $251.5 million. The future Hall of Famer is likely playing his last season in Cincinnati before he either retires or gets shipped to another city. Reds fans should watch him this season and be grateful for the production that he has given the Reds the last decade.
Prospects in the Reds’ Organization:
Elly De La Cruz – SS
- De La Cruz has become a household name for Reds fans. He has shown in the minor leagues that he is a promising ballplayer in the Cincinnati organization, and has definitely earned himself some time in the MLB this season. De La Cruz provides excellent power at the shortstop position. In 2022, Elly smashed 28 home runs in 120 games in the minors. He also knotted a .304 average, 86 RBIs, and a .586 slugging.
Noelvi Marte – 3B
- Marte came to Cincinnati in the blockbuster trade in 2022 that sent Luis Castillo to the Mariners. Marte is a 21 year old 3B who has some serious pop off the bat. He has touched a few 111 mph exit velocities in game, and has a 85% zone contact rate, which shows that he not only has power, but can hit for contact.
Cam Collier – 3B
- Cam Collier was drafted 16th overall by the Reds in the 2022 MLB Draft. He is a big lefty who was the youngest player taken in the 2022 draft. With that being said, Collier is considered to be a risky draft choice with his young age and lack of experience, but the Reds are hoping to build him into a franchise infielder in the program. The potential is there, now it is time to see if the Reds development program is worth his while.
Outlook for the Organization:
The Cincinnati Reds are currently in a prime example of a rebuild. Keeping guys like Votto and Myers around will only help these young players gain experience and receive guidance, which I love. The mix of a few veterans, along with some up-and-coming stars, is perfect for a rebuild. However, the Reds seem to have a front office that does not know what they want out of this team. The Castellini family has been under heavy scrutiny lately for never seeming to know the right words to say to keep fans interested in this rebuild. It is hard for a fan base to get behind people like this at times.
The Reds have a very good chance to be a good ball club in the next decade. They have the prospects to groom into stars, and a young pitching staff headed by Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo that can keep them in games, even when their offense isn’t producing. Both of these guys have potential to be a couple of the most efficient strikeout pitchers in the league, which is much needed when you play in a park like Great American Ballpark. The Reds have potential, but for now, at least the city of Cincinnati have Joe Burrow and the Bengals to be happy about.
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