The Cincinnati Reds
 

What is the prospectus for the Reds this year? Is there any chance that ownership and/or management will do what it takes to turn this franchise into a winner?

Let's hear it!

Here is MLB.com writer Pecota's prediction. Reds aren't in the discussion for contending.

The future looks pretty bright out there though with Elly de la Cruz and Edwin Arroyo.

I think its hard for a small market franchise like the Reds to compete when they are projected to spend the 26th most and roughly 21% of the Mets and less than half of the Cubs or Cardinals.

They will spend more than the Pirates though, but are still projected to finish behind them. But who the hell knows.

I'm really excited for the Cincinnati Reds, regardless of the doom and gloomers. They have an exciting young core of players already in MLB, and they have some young players waiting in the wings.

Jonathan India is my choice for comeback players of the year.

Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo will take steps to averaging 6-7 innings each. And Graham Ashcraft will improve as a solid MLB #3 pitcher.

Tyler Stephenson should - but won't - supplant Votto at 1B, and not be a catcher. But until then, he looks like a Joe Mauer or JT Realmuto candidate. I believe he will be the team MVP this year. Might be close with India if he continues to battle injuries, but I am predicting he will play 140+ games and the team will see his offensive potential. The Reds will trade one of the three MiLB shortstops for a MLB ready catcher to replace Stephenson behind the plate.

By the end of May, Elly de la Cruz will be called up to become the every day SS.

Joey Votto will be dealt to Toronto by the AS break, or he will retire at the end of the season. But this season is his farewell season.

Still....mismanagement and an overused bullpen will lead to a 73-89 record.

After the season, David Bell will be fired (as the fall guy), and they will hire Aaron Boone - who will be fired from the NYY - to lead the Reds back to the playoffs in 2024 or 2025. They will sign two Wade Miley type veterans to anchor the young pitching staff (these pitchers are $10m one-year contracts), and they will splurge on one or two bullpen pieces.

I actually believe a lot of your predictions may come to pass. Excellent 👍 !

they should have a fun team but sadly not a competitive team. Remember Ken Griffey jr is their 4th highest paid player this year(last year of deferred money).

Their farm system is pretty good but several years away. As others said they have small market and some exciting players but will not be a good team. 75 wins if they are lucky

I wish your Reds a fun season!

I hate the term " small market ". These teams are owned by billionaires, who in some instances, use the team as a tax deduction.

Al Davis said it best - " Just WIN baby! ".

Produce a winner and the fans will show up, fill the stadium, buy merchandise, buy concession foods and beverages, pay for parking, ect....

There is SO much revenue missed by not fielding a winning product.

Building via FA and the draft, each team should be able to compete.

San Diego is viewed as a small market. They made a commitment to win and financially will reap those rewards. The Rockies hate that SD is spending, as it damages THEIR hometown image as a small market and why won't the Rockies spend?

You have to want to win.

A competent farm system and drafting provides young talent.

My Royals can't develop a pitcher to save their life. Singer is good but not as good as he should be. Arms leave KC and blossom elsewhere. This is not lost on KC pitchers. They know this. If Singer were on the Braves, he's a stud.

Anyways, nuff said.

Owners have to want to win. Until then, they are a victim . Tired of the small market bs.

Yeah, the Reds are not a small market team. They become one when they stink but the Big Red Machine will always be a part of baseball lore and they were World Champions as recently as 1990.

Signing Griffey might have taken the wind out of their sails for a decade or two but nobody stays anonymous when they win. Look at the Patriots. They were one of the lowliest franchises in all of sports for 90% of their existence. The Yankees stunk for like 15 years. I would go to games with my father and sit wherever we wanted. But not since 1995 rolled around.