Cincinnati Reds: Predicting where the team will finish in the NL Central

“It’s unrealistic to think the Reds will jump from 67 wins to 81-plus.” – Christopher Begley

The number of high profile acquisitions the Cincinnati Reds have made this offseason have created optimism among the fan base. Realistically, I think the Reds will finish the 2019 season in fourth place in the very competitive NL Central. However, that doesn’t mean that the team won’t improve from last season’s 67-95 record.

It’s unrealistic to think the Reds will jump from 67 wins to 81-plus this season. A lot would have to go right for that to happen. The starting pitching, for one, would have to improve dramatically and injuries to key players would have to kept at a minimum.

The NL Central division is probably the best in baseball. Every team is good and could make a run at winning the division. The Brewers added Yasmani Grandal, the Cardinals added Paul Goldschmidt, and the Cubs have been to the playoffs four years in a row. Even the Pirates are good with a solid rotation led by Jameson Tallion. The Reds will contend, but it’s too much to ask for them to leap so many experienced teams.

Prediction: 79-83 (4th place finish in the NL Central, no playoff berth)

“It seems premature to expect the Reds to make the postseason.” – Aaron Gershon

The Cincinnati Reds are almost back. Though this may be their best chance at making the playoffs since 2013, it seems premature to expect the Reds to make the postseason in 2019. However, that doesn’t mean the Reds won’t be competitive and perhaps make a run.

The Reds improved an already potent lineup with the additions of Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp who played vital role in guiding the Dodgers to the 2019 postseason. In addition, the team added three much needed starting pitchers. However, even with all the additions, there are still many question marks.

Each of the three new starters have either injury concerns or are coming off poor performances in 2018. The Reds did not do much to improve the bullpen that finished middle of the pack last season, and the lineup still has quite a few players who have yet to experience a postseason run.

To top it all off, the Reds will be fighting with the Brewers, Cardinals, and Cubs who all have, not just postseason aspirations, but championship aspirations. The Cincinnati Reds probably won’t make the postseason in 2019, but it should still be a much improved season compared to recent years.

Prediction: 79-83 (4th place finish in the NL Central, no playoff berth)