The Cincinnati Reds' season is slowly drawing to a close with a standing of 73-77 for 2024. This is nearly identical to their previous year's record when they finished at 82-80. However, this year’s campaign has left the Reds trailing a significant 14 games behind the division leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers, making it mathematically impossible for them to catch up with just 14 games left.
A Struggle in the Wild-Card Race
The Reds' playoff hopes are all but dashed as they sit nine games out of the final wild-card spot in the National League. According to SportsLine, the Reds’ postseason chances are now pegged at a dismal 0.0%. It's a stark reminder of how competitive the wild-card race can be, and Cincinnati’s shortcomings have left them on the outside looking in this season.
Offensive and Injury Woes
One area that has been a slight bright spot is the Reds' offense, which ranks eighth in the National League in runs scored. Despite this, they have struggled in other key offensive metrics, notably ranking eleventh in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging). On the injury front, Cincinnati has faced significant challenges, being eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and equally eighth in the number of players requiring stints on the IL.
Management and Future Plans
David Bell, who has managed the Reds since October 2018, remains at the helm with his contract extending through 2026. This stability in management might provide some continuity, but it hasn’t been enough to turn the Reds into serious contenders this year.
Nick Krall, General Manager of the Reds, emphasized the need for a thorough review of the season. "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. This statement suggests an upcoming period of introspection and reassessment for the franchise as they look to identify precisely where adjustments are needed.
The Reds face a challenging off-season, needing to address the gaps that have left them trailing behind their divisional rivals and on the margins of the wild-card contenders. Whether it is strengthening their roster to better handle injuries, improving their OPS, or finding new strategic approaches, the decisions made in the next few months will be crucial for their future.
With just a few games remaining this season, the focus will undoubtedly shift to planning for 2025 and beyond. The Reds have the talent and resources to compete, but they'll need to piece together all elements – health, consistency, and tactical prowess – to make a stronger push in the coming years. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the team’s leadership navigates these challenges in their quest to return to postseason contention.