The Cincinnati Reds are ready to open their contention window. However, after calling up Elly De La Cruz, the Reds had a record of 55-47. This allowed them to finish with an 82-80 record which even saw them playing meaningful baseball late in the season. Many young players emerged last year and look poised to take the next step in 2024. However, how far the Reds go will greatly depend on their pitching staff.
The Reds Pitching Staff Was Hit Hard In 2023
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Reds’ pitching issues were greatly overshadowed by the excitement Elly De La Cruz brought to Cincinnati. Their pitchers struggled mightily last season and were a big reason why Cincinnati didn’t make the postseason. The staff finished the 2023 season with an ERA of 4.83. The only teams that averaged more earned runs than the Reds were the White Sox, Nationals, Royals, Athletics, and Rockies. Although the Reds play in a very hitter-friendly ballpark, giving up that many runs won’t get them closer to a return to the postseason.
No Pitching Staff Stability Due To Injuries
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile the Reds staff was hit hard by opposing teams last season, it also struggled to stay healthy. This forced the Reds to have 11 different pitchers make starts in 2023 which gave them no stability. Starters Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft spent an extended amount of time on the injured list. Greene has been hampered by injuries the past two seasons, Lodolo was only able to make seven starts, and Ashcraft missed the last month of the 2023 season. Rotation health is paramount to a team having success and the Reds need it if they want to contend this season.
A Busy Offseason Trying To Improve The Pitching Staff
Embed from Getty ImagesThis offseason, the Reds made it a point to improve their pitching staff. They went out and signed veteran free agents Frankie Montas, Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagan, and Brent Suter. Martinez, Pagan, and Suter were very dependable middle-inning relievers last year. While the Montas signing drew criticism due to his injury history, he says this is the healthiest he’s been in years. They also brought back experienced reliever Buck Farmer.
The NL Central Is Wide Open
The NL Central is anybody’s division to take aside from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Nobody has truly put themselves ahead of the rest of the division this season. The Brewers have mostly had a rough offseason, the Cardinals’ pitching staff still has question marks, and the Cubs still have holes to fill. Given all the questions surrounding the Brewers, Cubs, and Cardinals, Cincinnati can win this division. However, this greatly depends on the health and consistency of their pitching staff.
The Health And Consistency Of The Reds’ Pitching Staff Will Determine Their Season
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Cincinnati Reds haven’t gone to the postseason in a full year since 2013. The team currently has an offense that is potent enough to make October baseball return to the birthplace of professional baseball. However, a return trip to the postseason will greatly depend on the health and consistency of their pitching staff. This pitching staff has a lot of potential. If it can live up to it, then the Reds could have a resurgence like the Baltimore Orioles did last year.
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