The Cincinnati Reds have experienced a turbulent 2024 season, currently standing at 73-77, a clear dip from their 82-80 record in the previous year. With just 14 games remaining, the Reds find themselves 14 games behind the division leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers. This gap makes it mathematically impossible for the Reds to catch up and claim the division title.
Furthermore, the Reds are nine games out of the final playoff spot in the National League wild-card race. SportsLine has quantified the grim reality for Cincinnati fans, placing the team's postseason chances at a stark 0.0%. As the season winds down, the front office and coaching staff are left to ponder what went wrong and how to improve going forward.
Offensive Struggles and Injuries
The Reds' offense, while not abysmal, ranks eighth in the National League in runs scored and eleventh in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging). These middling statistics underscore the team's broader offensive struggles, which have been exacerbated by the absence of key players due to injuries. The Reds are eighth in MLB for the total number of days lost to the injury list and eighth for the number of players requiring stints on the IL. This rash of injuries has unquestionably hindered their ability to perform consistently and climb the standings.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Manager David Bell, who has been at the Reds' helm since October 2018, finds his future potentially in flux. Despite being signed through 2026, the team’s performance this season has brought his leadership into question. Nick Krall, the General Manager, hinted at an extensive evaluation process that will take place once the season concludes. "He's got a contract for next year," Krall remarked. "As of right now, we're going to evaluate everything at the end of the year and see what we have to do to move forward."
Future Prospects and Decisions
As the season wraps up, Cincinnati’s management faces critical decisions about the team’s direction. Evaluating player health, performance metrics, and managerial effectiveness will be key components of their offseason strategy. The goal will be to bolster the roster, mitigate injury risks, and refine operational strategies to make a stronger push in the 2025 season.
The Reds' faithful will be watching closely, hoping the team can recapture the competitive spirit that saw them nearing a postseason appearance not so long ago. For now, all eyes are on the Reds' final 14 games and the impending offseason, where pivotal decisions will shape the franchise's future.