Cincinnati Reds: Three players most likely to have a breakout season

1. Anthony DeSclafani, Right-handed pitcher

I’m going to go out on a huge limb here, and predict that Anthony DeSclafani is selected to his first All-Star Game in 2020. Reds fans know the potential that Disco has, and last year was proof that nearly two years of absence from the game hadn’t ruined his ability. I’m looking for big-time production from DeSclafani, and it just so happens that he’s a free agent next winter.

Our friend Clay Snowden over at Locked On Reds predicts that DeSclafani will eclipse his career-high in wins this next season. Not only is Disco likely to set a new career-high in terms of wins, I think we’ll the right-hander set new career-bests in nearly every category.

Last season, DeSclafani entered some nice company. Disco’s ERA (3.89) and strikeouts (167) put him among the Top 20 in the National League. I’d look for those numbers to improve this coming season, as Disco saw his strikeout-rate (24.0%) reach an all-time high last season according to FanGraphs.

There is one bugaboo that DeSclafani must correct if he’s to reach his ceiling, and that’s the long ball. Last season, Disco surrendered a career-worst 29 home runs to opposing batters. Yes, the Reds play in a hitter’s friendly ballpark, but nearly half (14) of the 29 dingers DeSclafani allowed came on the road.

This year’s Reds team is better across the board. With so much focus on the likes of Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray, Trevor Bauer and the new addition, Wade Miley, Anthony DeSclafani seems to be the forgotten starter. Disco can change that narrative very quickly if he gets off to a hot start.