Cincinnati Reds: What would a perfect 2018 Spring Training look like?

The Cincinnati Reds have hit rock bottom

The Cincinnati Reds are in the midst of a rebuilding phase. With that said, they have traded off countless veterans in order to churn out young talent. During that time span, this club has dealt the likes of Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce, Aroldis Chapman, and Brandon Phillips to name a few.

In trading those fan favorites, the team has benefitted by getting quality young contributors back. Those names include Luis Castillo, Scott Schebler, Eugenio Suarez, and Jose Peraza. Furthermore, the Reds have let all of them adapt to the Major leagues and contribute at the highest level.

The Reds have countless more young studs advancing through the system that has blossomed in a matter of a couple years. They have chosen the right direction instead of going all in every year. This franchise is establishing themselves as a contender for the future that can sustain success. Let’s look into what a good spring training is in 2018 as they forecast their future plans.

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Healthy Cincinnati Reds

The Reds have struggled with injuries this season. Every year it seems like a new team is being bit by the injury bug. Also, getting veterans back would help the overall outlook of this club. One notable player that has been on the DL is backstop Devin Mesoraco. With that in mind, the catcher has had good defense. But, he has struggled at the plate, which could be due to his ongoing foot injury.

The big right hander Scott Feldman is done for the season with inflammation in his right knee. The starter was a workhorse for a club that has been auditioning rotation spots all season. Due to the fact that there are numerous rotation spots for the taking by young guys, a veteran pitcher would help ease them in.

Getting back the young right hander Anthony Desclafani would provide depth and more competition in the starting five. The Reds could ease him back into things by coming out of the bullpen. He was in the midst of trade rumors when he was healthy, and could be a future rotation piece again. A sprained ulnar collateral ligament in the right elbow is the problem.

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And the most important of all the injuries is top prospect Jesse Winker. The outfielder injured his hip with a flexor strain. The Reds put him on the 10-day DL put there is no timetable for when he comes back. He is possibly a piece that they can build upon and further boost their upcoming core. Winker batted .297 with 4 homers before the incident.

Young Reds emerge

Another great thing to slide the Reds way would be there young prospects breaking out. There are certain candidates more so than others, but you never know. Prospects are prospects, even the best ones can fizzle out. But the Reds have many that are just about MLB ready and will have a chance to show it in Spring Training.

One name that comes to mind is third baseman Nick Senzel. He is the Reds top prospect and has mashed at every level. This season at Triple-A he has hit .340 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs. The Tennessee product has shown that he can hit to all fields and work his at-bats. He defense at third hasn’t been to bad as well because he has the work ethic and drive to practice. Senzel can make the routine play with regularity and occasionally a gem.

Conclusion

The Reds are in a great spot moving forward. Albeit their awful record, they are set up for better days ahead. With that said, there is reason for optimism as the year ends and into 2018. They can look at some potential pieces in 2017 and beyond and can hopefully get back guys off the DL. The Reds have been in constant flux over the past couple years, but there is positivity in sight.

Next: Why it was time for Tyler Mahle

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