Reds mixing youth with veterans
Give the Reds front office credit. They are willing to walk a delicate balance that could provide dividends in the very near future. This past offseason saw the signing of veteran free agents such as Nick Castellanos and Mike Moustakas while the 2020 season has introduced a trio of rookies who seem to be in the Reds 2021 plans.
Pitcher Tejay Antone, shortstop José García and catcher Tyler Stephenson have all made their MLB debuts this season. Barring anything unforeseen, all three should have prominent roles on next year’s squad. This group, when added to the other young Reds talent, could give the club an exciting core group of young players for years to come.
It’s very possible when the Reds open the 2021 season, four of their everyday regulars (García, Stephenson, Jesse Winker and Nick Senzel) will all be 27-years old or younger. Add a pair of 26-year-olds in pitchers Tyler Mahle and Lucas Sims, and that’s a strong core to compliment veterans like Eugenio Suárez, Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo.
Additionally, there’s a couple of former first-round selections who will hopefully be making their debuts in the Redleg rotation in the not too distant future. Right-hander Hunter Greene and southpaw Nick Lodolo could very well be the keys to the Reds future. If these two can find success at the major league level, good times could once again return to the Queen City.
Prediction
Reds Country doesn’t need any more painful reminders of how things have gone in recent years with the Cardinals. It’s ugly and this year hasn’t been any different as the Reds have dropped five of seven against the Redbirds. Unfortunately, the Redlegs have given us no indication this trip to the Gateway City will be anything other than more frustration.
St. Louis is in the driver’s seat in securing a second-place finish and qualifying for the postseason. This weekend’s three-game set against the Reds will only do wonders for their confidence. Look for the Redbirds to take 2of-3 as they move closer to playoffs and the Reds fall closer to oblivion.