Reds' September strategy must change with Cincy's playoff odds virtually nil

Alright, it's almost September, and unfortunately, the Cincinnati Reds are in a familiar position. The Milwaukee Brewers are running away with the NL Central Division, and while Cincinnati is not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, their odds of making a run at the MLB Postseason are virtually nonexistent.

As such, it's time for Reds manager David Bell (and the front office) to turn their attention to 2025 and beyond. The Reds already did so by giving top prospect Rhett Lowder his first major league start on Friday, but that can't be where it stops.

The Reds' strategy over the final few weeks of the 2024 season needs to change. It's time for Dominic Smith, Amed Rosario, and anyone else who doesn't factor in to next season to be sat in favor of those who will be. That means Reds fans should see more of Rece Hinds, Julian Aguiar, and even Ty France should receive an extended look.

Reds' September strategy must change with Cincy's playoff odds virtually nil

The Reds should also begin to recall a number of players who are on the 40-man roster. Both Smith and Rosario will be free agents this winter and have provided little to the Reds lineup. The two veterans should be designated for assignment and Cincinnati could then recall the likes of Joey Wiemer, Jacob Hurtubise, and Blake Dunn.

Maybe it's time to give Connor Phillips another shot. The right-hander, who struggled mightily at Triple-A this season, finally put up an improved stat line this week during his second start with the Louisville Bats since his return from Arizona. Phillips took the loss in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader, but allowed just three hits and struck out three in four innings. More importantly, Phillips didn't allow any walks.

It's also time to experiment just a bit. Remember this spring, when Jonathan India was supposed to be moved all over the diamond as a utility player? Perhaps it's time to finally execute that plan. Will Benson, though he's struggled during his second full MLB season, needs more consistent at-bats. Noelvi Marte is another who needs more consistent playing time — though his defense may suggest that his ABs come as the team's designated hitter.

Same song, 54th verse, right Reds fans? This is the time of year when most of baseball players are either ratcheting up their game for a stretch run into October, or making their offseason vacation plans to Hawaii. As for the Reds' front office and coaching staff, every move made this month should be made with an eye toward next season.

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