3 early reasons to be excited about the Reds 2022 season

2. All five Reds starters could return in 2022.

The Cincinnati Reds had one of the better starting rotations in the National League. The team ranked 7th in ERA (4.03). That was despite Luis Castillo having a horrendous start to the season and three rookies finding their way into the rotation.

In addition to Vladimir Gutierrez, who emerged as the Reds No. 5 starter midway through the season, both Tony Santillan and Reiver Sanmartin showed promise in their limited number of starts.

Castillo and Tyler Mahle will each be due a raise. The duo is entering their second year of arbitration eligibility and both are projected to take home over $5M per MLB Trade Rumors.

Cincinnati also has Sonny Gray under contract for a little less than $11M next season. Gray's name emerged in trade rumors last offseason and it wouldn't be surprising to see the front office shop Gray again this winter.

Gray's 2021 season was marred by numerous trips to the injures list, but the right-hander still enjoyed a solid campaign posting a 27.0% strikeout-rate and 10.31 K/9. However, Gray's 4.19 ERA was his highest since joining the Reds.

Wade Miley had a terrific year on the hill. Having a pitched a no-hitter and being one of the more reliable arms in the Cincinnati rotation, all signs point to the Reds front office picking up Miley's $10M option.

Provided their are no trades, the 2022 Cincinnati Reds rotation might look very similar to the one we saw in 2021. Reds starters ranked 1st in innings pitched and 4th in strikeouts but also gave up the most walks in the NL.