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

“It will be tricky to earn a Wild Card spot.” – Allie Kaylor

After some shakeups in the pitching staff and added depth to the lineup, the Reds addressed their biggest weaknesses and showed a commitment to winning. The additions of Derek Johnson and Turner Ward, two of the best coaches in the game, are a nice tough that will hopefully put the icing on the cake for this year’s team.

Most projections have all five teams in the NL Central finishing above .500, which has never happened before. It may be my optimism, but I believe this year’s team will be able to compete with the Cubs, Brewers, and Cardinals for first place in the division. However, since half of the Reds’ games will be against the best teams in baseball, it will be tricky to earn a Wild Card spot.

Prediction: 85-77 (2nd place finish in the NL Central, no playoff berth)

“…I tend to see the glass more half full than half empty.” – Chris Dismukes

What stands out most to me about the 2019 version of the Cincinnati Reds is the infusion of talent, both with the pitching staff and the position players. These guys simply know how to win. The newest additions to the Reds this offseason have been part of winning organizations in D.C., The Bronx, and LA.

This is the time of year where I tend to see the glass more half full than half empty. The starting rotation is drastically improved with the additions of Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark, and Alex Wood. The challenge of which position players to put on the field is a good problem to have. For the first time in many years, the depth of this Reds lineup is tremendous. I also like the new leadership in clubhouse with manager David Bell.

Prediction: 86-76 (2nd place finish in the NL Central, second Wild Card spot)