The Cincinnati Reds are facing a challenging close to their 2024 season. With a current standing of 73-77, the Reds have little to look forward to in the next few weeks. Despite making strides in the previous year with an 82-80 record, the team is now trailing the division leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers, by a staggering 14 games. With only 14 games remaining, it is now a mathematical impossibility for them to catch up.
This dramatic fall in performance has not only eliminated the Reds from division contention but also significantly hindered their wild-card chances. They are nine games out of the final playoff spot, and SportsLine has pegged their postseason chances at an absolute zero.
Offensive Struggles and Injuries
The Reds' offensive lineup ranks eighth in the National League in runs scored and eleventh in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging). These middling stats reflect their inconsistent performance. Injuries have also played a major role in the Reds’ struggles this season. The team ranks eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and is also eighth in the number of players requiring stints on the IL.
Management Under Scrutiny
David Bell, who has been at the helm as manager since October 2018, finds himself in a tough position. Despite having a contract secured through 2026, the team's trajectory this season raises questions about its future direction. Nick Krall, speaking on the matter, shed some light on the organization's stance: "He's got a contract for next year. 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." This indicates potential changes or reassessments within the management and player dynamics as they prepare for the next campaign.
Looking Forward
As the season winds down, the focus will inevitably shift to what went wrong and how to move forward. This year has presented a blend of underperformance and unfortunate injuries, and the Reds will need to deeply evaluate both their roster and strategy to vie for a better outcome in 2025. Fans can expect a thorough review and potentially significant changes during the offseason, both to the lineup and to the coaching staff.
The Reds have a lot to reckon with. Their eighth-place ranking in total days lost to the injury list speaks to some bad luck on the health front, while their offense's mediocre ranking highlights areas needing improvement. As Nick Krall emphasized, everything will be evaluated at the end of the year, setting the stage for what could be an off-season of considerable change for Cincinnati.