3 bold predictions with 100 games remaining in the Reds 2023 season

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We've reached 62 games played in the 2023 season and the Cincinnati Reds, a team that everyone throughout baseball buried before Opening Day, are right in the thick of a jumbled NL Central Division.

Not only that, but over the past few weeks, Cincinnati has brought up players like Matt McLain, Andrew Abbott, and Elly De La Cruz. The Reds have just taken a series from the Los Angeles Dodgers, and are on the verge of sweeping one of the best team's in the National League before heading on a road trip to Missouri.

There are now 100 games remaining on the Cincinnati Reds 2023 schedule. Sitting at 28-33 and five games out of first-place in the division, what are three bold predictions that could come true over the remainder of the season?

1. Reds prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand will remain in the minor leagues until August.

The Cincinnati Reds have brought eight rookies up to The Show so far in 2023. That number grows to nine when you include Spencer Steer who made his major league debut in 2022, though his rookie status is still intact.

But that number isn't likely to get much bigger anytime soon. Well, you might see a couple relievers make their debut in the coming weeks, but don't look for Christian Encarnacion-Strand to make an appearance until after the All-Star break.

Why? Because the Reds roster is extremely cluttered at the moment. Manager David Bell is already struggling to get adequate playing time for the 26 players currently on the active roster, and there's at least four players on the IL who'll demand playing time once they're fully healthy.

Joey Votto, Nick Senzel, TJ Friedl, and Wil Myers are all on the injured list. Votto is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville. Myers' timetable is a bit foggy, but both Senzel and Friedl are likely to return in the next few days or so.

Once the trade deadline passes, this roster could look a little different, and it may allow for Christian Encarnacion-Strand to find a spot in the lineup. But until then, the slugger may need to extend in lease in Louisville for another month or so.

2. Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott wins 2023 NL Rookie of the Year.

Nick Krall has basically stuffed the ballot box by calling up so much of the organization's young talent. Someone on this Cincinnati Reds squad is going to win National League Rookie of the Year.

Elly De La Cruz has arrived and will draw a ton of national attention. Matt McLain has been terrific since making his debut last month. Spencer Steer has been vastly underrated and could get a lot more chances to make an impact with his bat now that he's hitting behind De La Cruz in the lineup.

But these are supposed to be bold predictions, right? While the focus coming into the 2023 season was on the Big Three of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft, look for Andrew Abbott to emerge as the best pitcher in the Reds rotation.

That's a bold statement to be sure, but Abbott is polished. We've seen struggles from all three of the Reds sophomore starters, and Abbott could endure his fair share of struggles as well.

But after seeing the southpaw dominate in the minor leagues this season and then put an end to the Milwaukee Brewers three-game dominance over the Reds, it's time to insert Abbott's name into the discussion for NL Rookie of the Year.

Andrew Abbott will face the stiffest competition from within his own clubhouse. Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Spencer Steer will all be in the hunt. As far as other hurlers go, Abbott will get a run for his money from the likes of Bobby Miller (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Kodai Senga (New York Mets).

3. Joey Votto signs a contract extension to play for the Reds in 2024.

Don't throw your phone across the room just yet. Give me a moment to explain. It would be easy to simply sit back and say that Joey Votto will ride off into the sunset during the final guaranteed year of his contract as the Cincinnati Reds usher in a new era of baseball in the Queen City. But again, these are bold predictions.

Now, all of that may be true. Votto is in the final guaranteed year of a 10-year extension that some fans throughout Reds Country wish he'd never signed. Yes, Votto is making a lot of money and since 2018, hasn't produced anything close to what that contract demands outside of a second-half surge during 2021.

But, if fans are to take Joey Votto at his word that he's been playing through an injury that the six-time All-Star suffered several years ago, could that be a reason for his poor production over the last five seasons?

Votto is currently on a rehab assignment following major surgery and should rejoin the big league club in the next few weeks. A notorious slow starter, this ball club cannot wait around for Votto to "figure it out". He's going to have to hit the ground running, and one could argue that the former NL MVP should be batting seventh in the Reds lineup upon his return.

Joey Votto has a $20-million team option with a $7-million buyout for next season. Under no circumstances should the Cincinnati Reds pick up that option. But, could the two sides come to an agreement on an incentive laden contract extension? Perhaps a one-year deal that would allow Votto to make up to $7-million if he hit certain parameters?

Prior to this season, pundits outside of Reds' circles had suggested that in order for Votto to end his career with a World Series ring he'd have to leave Cincinnati. If Votto, who'll turn 40 years old later this season, wants to go out on top, he may not have a better chance than he will this season and next with the Reds.

Obviously, with so much young talent coming up through the Cincinnati Reds system, Joey Votto cannot play the role that he has for the majority of his career. But, if Votto can swallow his pride, agree to take less money and a lesser role, don't be shocked if he and the Reds' brass agree on a contract extension beyond this season.

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