3 bold predictions for the 2nd-half of the Reds 2023 season

The Cincinnati Reds were arguably the most surprising team in Major League Baseball over the first-half of the 2023 season.

David Bell's squad owns a winning-record just a year after losing 100 games. Cincinnati leads the National League Central Division by one game over the Milwaukee Brewers and look be buyers rather than sellers at this year's trade deadline.

The Reds are currently 50-41, so with 71 games remaining, how might the remainder of the season play out? What are three bold predictions for the Cincinnati Reds over the second-half of the 2023 season?

1. Bold prediction for 2nd-half of Reds 2023 season: White Sox starter is traded to Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Reds need starting pitching and the Chicago White Sox have a plethora of it. While it's unlikely to see the South Siders deal Dylan Cease at this year's trade deadline, Michael Kopech, Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito, and Mike Clevinger could all be on the move before August 1st.

A player like Cease will cost a small fortune, and is probably more than Reds GM Nick Krall would be willing to surrender this summer. Kopech, who's currently on the 15-day IL, is also going to cost a lot in terms of prospect capital.

The other three hurlers, however, are slated to become free agents after the 2023 season. Clevinger is currently on the 15-day IL with an arm injury, so one would think it might be wise to steer clear of the former Cleveland hurler.

The other two, Giolito and Lynn, could be rather attractive to teams looking to bolster their starting rotation at the deadline. Giolito's numbers aren't as dominant as what we've seen in years past, but the former All-Star would add some punch to the middle of the Cincinnati starting rotation.

Lance Lynn is an intriguing option, and wouldn't cost as much. Over his last four starts, Lynn has recorded 41 punch outs and made it past the six inning three times. If the Cincinnati Reds are looking to add as starting pitcher at the deadline, the Chicago White Sox might be a good team to call.

3. Bold prediction for 2nd-half of Reds 2023 season: Joey Votto leads the team in home runs.

It's hard to deny that Joey Votto has absolutely been crushing balls since returning from the 60-day IL following a 10-month recovery from shoulder surgery. While his batting average isn't exactly where Reds fans might expect, one thing is for sure - Votto still bangs.

In 2021, Votto had a renaissance-type of performance for the Reds. Alongside players like Nick Castellaons, Jesse Winker, and Eugenio Suarez, Votto led the team in home runs (36) and finished second on the team that season with 99 RBIs.

Votto, who was always known for his patience at the plate, took a different approach that season that saw the six-time All-Star take a less-measured approach at the dish. Votto became more focused on hitting the ball hard rather than taking those borderline pitches.

Heading into the second-half of the season, Joey Votto is sitting on seven home runs and trails the team-leader Spencer Steer (14) by that same number. Also ahead of Votto are Jonathan India (13) and Jake Fraley (12). Votto is tied with Matt McLain, Nick Senzel, and Tyler Stephenson for fourth-most on the team.

In 2021, according to Baseball Savant, Votto posted an average exit velocity of 92.9 mph and a barrel-rate of 17.2-percent. Those numbers this season, after just 17 games, are sitting at 91.1 mph and 22.9-percent respectively. Votto has a hard-hit rate of 51.4-percent.

Joey Votto, unlike last season, is protected very well in this Cincinnati Reds lineup by the likes of Spencer Steer, Jake Fraley, and Tyler Stephenson. This improved lineup will force opposing hurlers to pitch to Votto. Whether Votto returns next season is very much up in the air, but his ability to still punish baseballs is not up for discussion.