Hey baseball fans! Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of the Cincinnati Reds? The 2022 season is just around the corner, and the Reds are poised to make a statement. With a talented roster and a new manager at the helm, the team is eager to prove that they’re not to be taken lightly.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Reds’ current standings, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and provide an outlook for the upcoming season. So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks and let’s get started!
As of now, the Reds sit fourth in the NL Central with a 32-35 record. While they’re currently below .500, the team has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. They’re tied for eighth in the NL in runs scored and have a solid bullpen that ranks 11th in ERA. However, the team has struggled at times with consistency, particularly in their starting rotation.
Overall Performance
Slow Start
The Cincinnati Reds began the 2022 season with a dismal 3-19 record, marking their worst start since the disastrous 1931 campaign. The team’s anemic offense and porous defense proved to be insurmountable obstacles, as they struggled to find any semblance of consistency. Despite the addition of two-time All-Star outfielder Tommy Pham, the Reds lacked a potent bat in the lineup, resulting in a dreadful team batting average of .220, tied for the worst in the National League. The pitching staff, once a formidable force in the league, faltered under the weight of injuries and ineffectiveness. The team’s starters consistently failed to provide length, forcing a beleaguered bullpen to shoulder an excessive workload. The bullpen, in turn, was unable to hold leads, blowing a league-high 29 save opportunities.
Improvement and Slump
As May drew to a close, the Reds showed signs of life, rallying to a respectable 34-35 record. The offense began to click, with Pham emerging as a consistent force at the plate, and the pitching staff gradually improved, thanks in part to the emergence of young starters Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. However, the Reds’ newfound momentum was short-lived, as they suffered a disastrous stretch in June, losing 10 of their next 11 games. The offense once again went into a tailspin, and the bullpen’s struggles continued unabated. By the end of the month, the Reds had fallen back below .500, their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Second Half Struggles
The second half of the season proved to be equally disappointing for the Reds. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, the team was unable to sustain any consistent success. The offense remained anemic, with the team’s batting average hovering around the bottom of the league. Injuries and ineffectiveness plagued the pitching staff, as Greene and Lodolo failed to live up to expectations and the bullpen continued to be a major source of concern. The Reds finished the season with a dismal 62-100 record, their worst mark since 2018. The team’s struggles were a far cry from their surprising playoff appearance in 2021, highlighting the difficulties they faced in rebuilding after a disappointing 2020 campaign.
Offensive Struggles
The Cincinnati Reds’ offense has been a major source of frustration for fans and the organization alike in recent years. The team has consistently ranked near the bottom of the league in key offensive categories, and their struggles have been a major contributing factor to their poor overall record.
Lack of Power
One of the most glaring weaknesses of the Reds’ offense has been their lack of power. The team ranked near the bottom of the league in home runs and slugging percentage in 2022, and they have failed to develop a consistent power threat in recent years. This has made it difficult for the Reds to score runs and has put a lot of pressure on their pitching staff.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the Reds’ lack of power. One is the team’s reliance on singles hitters. The Reds have a number of players who can hit for a high average, but they don’t have enough players who can hit for power. This has made it difficult for the Reds to score runs in bunches, and it has also made it easier for opposing pitchers to get them out.
Another factor that has contributed to the Reds’ lack of power is their poor plate discipline. The Reds have a tendency to swing at too many pitches outside of the strike zone, and they often make weak contact when they do make contact. This has made it difficult for the Reds to get on base and score runs.
The Reds have tried to address their lack of power by signing free agents and trading for players who can hit for power. However, these moves have not been successful, and the Reds have continued to struggle to score runs.
Inconsistent Batting
Another major weakness of the Reds’ offense has been their inconsistent batting. The team has struggled to score runs consistently, especially with runners in scoring position. This has made it difficult for the Reds to win games, even when they have a lead.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the Reds’ inconsistent batting. One is the team’s lack of depth. The Reds have a number of good hitters, but they don’t have enough players who can consistently produce. This has made it difficult for the Reds to score runs when their top hitters are struggling.
Another factor that has contributed to the Reds’ inconsistent batting is their poor situational hitting. The Reds have a tendency to make outs with runners in scoring position, and they often fail to come up with the big hit when they need it. This has made it difficult for the Reds to win close games.
The Reds have tried to address their inconsistent batting by signing free agents and trading for players who can hit for contact. However, these moves have not been successful, and the Reds have continued to struggle to score runs.
Few Bright Spots
Despite their offensive struggles, the Reds have a few bright spots in their lineup. Joey Votto and Tyler Stephenson are both capable of hitting for power and average, and they have been the team’s most consistent hitters in recent years. However, the Reds need more players to step up and produce offensively if they want to be successful in the future.
Pitching Woes
The Cincinnati Reds endured a disastrous 2022 season, finishing with a dismal 62-100 record. A significant contributing factor to their struggles was the team’s chronic pitching woes, which haunted them throughout the year.
Rotation Instability
The Reds’ starting rotation was a revolving door of injuries and inconsistency. Ace Luis Castillo, who posted a stellar 3.98 ERA in 2021, was hampered by a right shoulder strain that limited him to just 14 starts. Tyler Mahle, acquired via trade from the Minnesota Twins, also struggled with injuries and inconsistency, failing to replicate his previous success.
Beyond Castillo and Mahle, the rotation was a merry-go-round of journeymen and failed prospects. Vladimir Gutierrez, an unproven Cuban import, showed occasional flashes of promise but was ultimately unreliable. Rookie Hunter Greene, a highly touted prospect, endured a rocky start to his major league career, posting a 5.80 ERA in 23 starts.
The rotation’s instability and lack of depth led to a bloated team ERA of 5.05, ranking among the worst in the league. Starters repeatedly failed to provide length or quality innings, putting an undue burden on the bullpen.
Bullpen Struggles
The Reds’ bullpen was equally unreliable, if not worse than the starting rotation. The unit allowed a league-high 18 blown saves and ranked near the bottom in ERA (5.11) and WHIP (1.43). The lack of a consistent late-inning presence doomed the Reds to countless frustrating losses.
Closer Alexis Diaz, acquired from the San Diego Padres, failed to live up to expectations, blowing seven saves and posting a 5.99 ERA. Veteran reliever Lucas Sims, once a promising prospect, also faltered, surrendering 24 earned runs in just 17.2 innings.
The bullpen’s struggles were particularly evident in the second half of the season, when the Reds held a lead in the ninth inning on 26 occasions but managed to win only 12 of those games. The inability to slam the door on opponents cost the team countless crucial victories.
Few Standouts
Amidst the pitching carnage, there were a few bright spots. Luis Castillo, despite his injury troubles, remained a reliable workhorse, posting a respectable 4.04 ERA in 165 innings pitched. Hunter Greene, after a shaky start, showed signs of improvement towards the end of the season, recording a 3.44 ERA in his final four starts.
However, these individual performances were far from enough to offset the collective struggles of the pitching staff. The Reds’ pitching woes were a major factor in their dismal 2022 season, and addressing these issues will be paramount to any hopes of a rebound in the years to come.
Defensive Deficiencies
Poor Infield Defense
The Reds’ infield defense was a major liability throughout the 2022 season. They committed a staggering 142 errors, the most in the National League and second-most in the entire league behind only the Kansas City Royals. This lack of defensive proficiency contributed significantly to the team’s struggles, as they frequently allowed unearned runs and failed to convert routine ground balls into outs.
Outfield Misplays
The Reds’ outfielders were also unreliable, making numerous costly misplays. They had the second-worst fielding percentage in the National League, and their outfielders combined for 11 errors, tied for the most in the league. These errors often led to extra bases or runs for the opposing team, further exacerbating the Reds’ defensive woes.
Lack of Range
In addition to their poor fielding, the Reds also lacked athleticism and range in their defense. Their infielders were often slow to react to ground balls, and their outfielders struggled to cover a wide area. This lack of range allowed opponents to hit more line drives and bloop singles that fell in for hits, leading to additional runs and a higher team ERA.
The Reds’ defensive deficiencies were a major factor in their disappointing 2022 season. The team’s inability to consistently make routine plays and prevent extra bases allowed opponents to score more runs than they should have, contributing to the Reds’ poor record and last-place finish in the National League Central.
Breakdown of Infield Error Distribution
A closer examination of the Reds’ infield errors reveals that the majority of them were committed by shortstop Jose Barrero, who had 21 errors, the most among all shortstops in the National League. Third baseman Brandon Drury was also a major culprit, committing 16 errors, while second baseman Jonathan India had 13 errors. This distribution of errors suggests that the Reds had particular weaknesses up the middle of their infield, which contributed to the team’s overall defensive struggles.
Impact of Fielding Percentage on Team Success
The Reds’ poor fielding percentage had a significant impact on their team success. Studies have shown that teams with a higher fielding percentage tend to have lower ERAs and win more games. In the 2022 season, the Reds’ .973 fielding percentage was the second-worst in the National League, and they allowed the third-most runs in the league. This correlation between fielding percentage and team success highlights the importance of strong defense in baseball and further underscores the Reds’ struggles in this area.
Outlook for Defensive Improvement
The Reds have acknowledged their defensive deficiencies and have made some changes to their roster in an effort to improve in this area. They signed veteran second baseman Donovan Solano and outfielder Wil Myers, both of whom are known for their strong defense. The team also traded for shortstop Matt Reynolds, who has a solid track record as a fielder. These moves suggest that the Reds are committed to addressing their defensive weaknesses and improving their overall performance on the field.
Management Decisions
The Reds’ management team made a series of questionable decisions that contributed to the team’s poor performance in 2022. These decisions included:
Questionable Roster Moves
The front office made several roster moves that weakened the team. Key departures included All-Star closer Raisel Iglesias, starting pitcher Sonny Gray, and outfielder Jesse Winker. The Reds replaced these players with less experienced and less-talented options, such as Hunter Strickland, Mike Minor, and Tommy Pham. These moves left the team with a significant drop-off in talent and experience.
In addition to the subtractions, the Reds also made some questionable additions. They signed veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos to a four-year, $64 million contract, but Castellanos struggled to produce in Cincinnati, hitting just .265 with 14 home runs and 62 RBIs. The Reds also traded for shortstop Kevin Newman from the Pittsburgh Pirates, but Newman provided little offensive production and was eventually designated for assignment.
Managerial Changes
The Reds fired manager David Bell in September after the team finished with a 35-92 record. Bell was replaced by interim manager Freddie Benavides, who finished the season with a 14-19 record. The Reds’ decision to fire Bell was controversial, as some fans and analysts believed that he was not given enough time to turn the team around.
Organizational Overhaul
In response to the team’s poor performance, the Reds announced a major organizational overhaul. The overhaul included the hiring of a new president of baseball operations, Phil Castellini, and a new general manager, Nick Krall. The Reds also announced that they would be making significant changes to their player development system.
The Reds’ organizational overhaul is a sign that the team is committed to making changes in order to improve on-field performance. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will be enough to turn the team around and make them a contender in the NL Central.
Outlook for 2023
The 2022 season was a tumultuous one for the Cincinnati Reds, as the team finished with a disappointing 62-100 record and missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. However, the front office has been busy making changes in the offseason, and there is reason to believe that the Reds could be a more competitive team in 2023.
Offseason Moves
The Reds have made several key offseason moves, including signing free agent Brandon Drury and trading for Jake Fraley. Drury is a versatile infielder who can play both infield and outfield and had a solid season with the New York Mets in 2022. Fraley is a young outfielder with a lot of potential who could provide some much-needed pop to the Reds’ lineup. In addition to these two players, the Reds have also signed veteran starting pitcher Luke Weaver and reliever Brad Hand to minor league contracts.
Roster Turnover
There is expected to be significant roster turnover on the Reds in 2023, with several key players likely to be traded. Outfielder Jesse Winker and first baseman Joey Votto are both in the final year of their contracts and could be dealt before the trade deadline. Right-hander Luis Castillo is also a candidate to be traded, as he is one of the best pitchers in baseball and could bring back a significant haul in return. If the Reds do trade Winker, Votto, and Castillo, it would signal a major shift in the team’s philosophy, as they would be essentially rebuilding around a young core of players.
Building for the Future
Regardless of what happens with the roster in 2023, the Reds are expected to focus on developing young players and building a foundation for the future. The team has a number of promising prospects in the minors, including shortstop Elly De La Cruz, outfielder Nick Quintana, and pitcher Hunter Greene. These players could be the core of the Reds’ next competitive team, and the front office will need to be patient as they develop.
The Reds have a lot of work to do if they want to become a competitive team again, but the front office has made some positive moves in the offseason. With a little luck and some development from their young players, the Reds could be a surprise team in 2023.