The Cincinnati Reds' 2024 season has been anything but smooth sailing. With a 73-77 record, the Reds find themselves 14 games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers with only 14 games left to play. Unfortunately for Reds fans, it’s now mathematically impossible for the team to clinch the division, effectively ending their hopes of making the postseason this year.
Last season, the Reds concluded with a respectable 82-80 record, showing promise and potential for improvement. Yet, this year has been a step back, not only in terms of wins and losses but also in their standing within the National League. Currently, the Reds are nine games out of the final wild-card spot, and according to SportsLine, their chances of making the playoffs stand at an unencouraging 0.0%.
Offensively, the Reds rank eighth in the National League in runs scored, a sign that their batting lineup can produce when necessary. However, their On Base Plus Slugging (OPS) tells a different story, with the team ranking eleventh in the league. This disparity indicates untapped potential and inconsistency in offensive performance, proving detrimental in critical games.
Injury woes have also haunted the Reds this season. The team is among the eighth in Major League Baseball (MLB) for total days lost to the injury list, as well as the number of players requiring stints on the IL. These statistics shed light on the physical toll this season has taken on the Reds, hindering their ability to field a consistent and competitive lineup.
Given these challenges, speculation naturally turns to the leadership under current manager David Bell, who has been at the helm since October 2018 and is signed through 2026. Bell has navigated the team through turbulent waters, but questions regarding his long-term effectiveness are surfacing.
Reds General Manager Nick Krall has hinted at reevaluation come season's end. "He's got a contract for next year. As of right now, we're going to evaluate everything at the end of the year and see what we have to do to move forward," Krall remarked. These comments hint at possible changes within the organization's structure and strategy, potentially extending beyond player rosters to managerial roles.
The Reds' journey this season reflects a combination of misfortune and underperformance. The team’s struggle with injuries undoubtedly played a role, yet the inconsistency on the offensive end cannot be overlooked. For a squad with postseason aspirations, establishing a more stable and potent offense is paramount.
As the 2024 season winds down, the Reds' front office faces the significant task of assessing and addressing the team’s shortcomings. Whether retooling parts of the lineup, enhancing player health and conditioning programs, or making tough calls on management, the Reds must take decisive actions to realign with their competitive goals.
Patience from the fanbase and hard decisions from the front office will be essential in turning the Reds' fortunes around in the seasons to come. For now, however, the 2024 season stands as a reflection of unfulfilled promise and a reminder of the ever-present challenges within Major League Baseball.