Hey there, baseball fans! Welcome to the 2022 Cincinnati Reds Season Preview. It’s that time of year again where we dust off our gloves and speculate wildly about how our favorite team will perform. The Reds are coming off a disappointing 83-79 season, but there’s reason to be optimistic about the upcoming campaign. Will they be able to contend for a playoff spot in 2022? Let’s dive into the roster and see what we can expect.
One of the biggest storylines for the Reds this season will be the development of their young players. The team has a number of promising prospects who are expected to make an impact in the majors this year. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz is one of the most exciting young players in baseball, and he’s expected to be a key part of the Reds’ offense this season. Outfielder Spencer Steer is another young player to watch, as he’s shown some impressive power and speed in the minors.
The Reds also made some key additions to their roster during the offseason. They signed veteran starting pitcher Mike Minor to a two-year contract, and they also acquired outfielder Tommy Pham in a trade with the San Diego Padres. Pham is a two-time All-Star who provides the Reds with a much-needed boost in the outfield. With these new additions, the Reds have a solid foundation to build on in 2022.
Front Office Failures
The Cincinnati Reds’ struggles in 2022 can be largely attributed to a series of missteps by the team’s front office. From inexperienced leadership to a lack of a clear direction, the Reds’ front office failed to provide the necessary guidance and support for the team to succeed.
Ownership and Management Issues
Front Office Inexperience
The Reds’ front office was led by Nick Krall, who had only been in the role for one year prior to the 2022 season. Krall’s lack of experience was evident in his decision-making throughout the year, as he failed to adequately address the team’s needs and made several questionable roster moves.
Lack of Clear Direction
Under Krall’s leadership, the Reds lacked a clear direction, both on the field and off. This was evident in the team’s inconsistent performance and lack of a long-term plan. The front office failed to provide a clear vision for the future, leaving the team uncertain about its direction and goals.
Failure to Address Team Needs
Despite the Reds’ obvious need for reinforcements in several areas, the front office failed to make any significant additions to the roster. The team was particularly weak in the bullpen and at shortstop, but Krall did not address these needs, leaving the Reds with a glaring lack of talent in key positions.
The Reds’ front office failures in 2022 played a major role in the team’s disappointing performance. The lack of experience, clear direction, and failure to address team needs created a toxic environment that led to a season of frustration and disappointment for both fans and players.
Managerial Struggles
The Cincinnati Reds’ disappointing 2022 season can be largely attributed to managerial deficiencies, particularly the poor decisions made by manager David Bell. His lackluster performance has been evident in several key areas.
Mishandling of Pitching Staff
Bell’s questionable handling of the pitching staff has been a major contributing factor to the Reds’ struggles. His inability to effectively manage the bullpen has resulted in numerous blown saves and costly losses. Additionally, his inconsistent decision-making regarding starter workloads has led to overuse and subsequent injuries. The team’s ERA, which stood at a dismal 5.02, ranked among the worst in the league.
Inconsistent Lineups
Bell’s indecisiveness has extended to his construction of lineups. He has frequently shuffled players in and out of the batting order, creating confusion and disrupting team chemistry. This lack of consistency has negatively impacted the performance of key hitters, resulting in a league-worst batting average (.231) and on-base percentage (.305).
Failure to Improve Player Development
One of the most egregious failures of Bell’s tenure has been his inability to foster player development. Despite having talented young players on the roster, the Reds have not shown significant improvement in key performance metrics. This suggests a lack of effective coaching and guidance from the manager. Bell’s inability to create a conducive environment for player growth has hindered the team’s long-term prospects.
Additional Managerial Errors
Bell’s managerial deficiencies extend beyond the aforementioned areas. He has also been criticized for his lack of communication with players, his inability to create a positive team culture, and his poor game management decisions. These failures have further contributed to the Reds’ dismal performance in 2022.
The combination of these managerial struggles has created a toxic environment within the Reds’ clubhouse, leading to widespread discontent and a lack of belief in Bell’s leadership. As a result, the team has failed to meet expectations and has fallen far short of its potential.
Disappointing Offseason Moves
The Cincinnati Reds’ offseason moves in 2022 left much to be desired. The team failed to address several key areas, resulting in a weak roster that struggled to compete throughout the season. One of the most glaring issues was the lack of significant free agent acquisitions, particularly in the pitching department.
Missed Free Agent Acquisitions
The Reds had a desperate need for starting pitching help, but they failed to sign any of the top free agent pitchers available. Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Carlos Rodon all signed with other teams, leaving the Reds with a rotation that was short on experience and talent. In addition, the Reds made low-impact additions such as Brad Keller and Luke Voit, who failed to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
Lack of Depth Added
Another problem with the Reds’ offseason moves was their failure to add depth to the roster. The team lacked reliable backups at several key positions, which became a major issue when injuries struck. For example, when starting shortstop Kyle Farmer went down with an injury, the Reds were forced to rely on journeyman utility player Donovan Solano, who struggled defensively and offensively. Similar issues arose in the outfield and bullpen, where the Reds lacked reliable options behind their starters.
Overall, the Reds’ disappointing offseason moves set the tone for a difficult season. The team’s failure to address their pitching needs and add depth to the roster left them ill-prepared to compete in a challenging National League Central division.
Bright Spots of the Season
Despite the team’s overall struggles, there were a few bright spots that emerged during the 2022 season. These positives provide hope for the future and suggest that better days may be ahead for the Reds.
Rookies Showed Promise
One of the most encouraging aspects of the season was the emergence of several promising rookies. These young players showed signs of potential and gave fans a glimpse of what the future might hold.
Hunter Greene’s Emergence
Hunter Greene was arguably the most impressive rookie on the Reds roster in 2022. The right-handed pitcher showed flashes of brilliance on the mound, demonstrating exceptional velocity and control. Greene made 23 appearances, including 20 starts, and posted a 5-13 record with a 4.44 ERA. He struck out 123 batters in 117 innings pitched, showcasing his potential as a future ace.
Nick Lodolo’s Potential
Nick Lodolo, another young pitcher, also impressed in his rookie campaign. Lodolo made 20 starts for the Reds and finished with a 4-8 record and a 4.37 ERA. While his numbers weren’t as eye-popping as Greene’s, Lodolo showed good command and poise on the mound. He struck out 103 batters in 100.2 innings pitched, demonstrating his potential as a solid starter in the future.
Brandon Williamson’s Development
Brandon Williamson was a less-heralded rookie, but he also showed promise during his limited opportunities. The outfielder appeared in 27 games and had a batting average of .240 with 1 home run and 6 RBIs. Williamson showed good speed and defensive instincts, suggesting that he could develop into a valuable asset for the Reds in the future.
These three rookies provided a glimpse of hope for the Reds in 2022. Their performances suggest that the team has a bright future ahead, with young talent ready to take the next step and lead the franchise back to contention.
Looking Ahead to 2023
Rebuilding and Future Prospects
Following a disappointing 2022 campaign, the Cincinnati Reds are poised to embark on a comprehensive rebuilding process, aiming to establish a solid foundation for long-term success.
Front Office Changes
In a significant move towards revamping the organization’s operations, the Reds have appointed a new front office leadership team. Phil Castellini, the club’s former president of baseball operations, has transitioned to a new role as senior advisor, while Brandon Gomes has taken over as the general manager. Gomes, who previously held positions with the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, brings a wealth of experience in player development and analytics.
Player Development Focus
The Reds’ rebuilding efforts will focus heavily on player development, with a particular emphasis on identifying and nurturing young talent. The organization has made significant investments in its minor league system, with the construction of state-of-the-art facilities and the recruitment of experienced coaches and instructors. The goal is to create an environment where young players can refine their skills, develop their physical and mental abilities, and ultimately make the transition to the major league roster.
Hope for Improvement in Coming Years
While the Reds may not expect to contend for a World Series title in the immediate future, the organization is optimistic about the team’s long-term prospects. The Reds have a solid core of young players, including infielder Jonathan India, outfielder Tyler Stephenson, and pitchers Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. These players have shown flashes of brilliance and have the potential to become future stars. Additionally, the Reds are expected to be active in the trade market, seeking to acquire more young talent and veteran leadership.
The rebuilding process will undoubtedly require patience and perseverance. However, the Reds are confident that by implementing a strategic approach to player development and making prudent roster decisions, they can lay the groundwork for a bright future and bring success back to the Queen City.