The Cincinnati Reds’ 2024 season is winding down, and it hasn't been the bounce-back year fans were hoping for. With a current standing of 73-77, the Reds find themselves unable to replicate or surpass their previous year's mark of 82-80. Trailing 14 games behind the division leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers, and with only 14 games remaining in the season, it's become clear that the Reds' chances for a postseason appearance have slipped away entirely.
Unreachable Goals
Despite their efforts, the mathematics of the game have sealed the Reds' fate this season. They are nine games out of the final wild-card spot in the National League and, according to SportsLine, their chances of making the postseason stand at an emphatic 0.0%. The gap is too wide to bridge, leaving the Reds to play out their remaining games without hope of extending their season into October.
Offensive and Defensive Struggles
For a team to fight for a postseason spot, robust offensive and defensive performances are crucial. The Reds, however, have posted middling stats that left them lagging behind their rivals. Offensively, they are eighth in the National League in runs scored, an indicator that, while they had moments of prowess at the plate, consistency was sorely lacking. They are also ranked eleventh in the league in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging), a key metric that considers a player’s ability to get on base and hit for power.
Injuries haven't helped their cause either. Being eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and having the same ranking for the number of players requiring stints on the IL, it’s clear the Reds' lineup and pitching staff were frequently undermined by health issues. These injury woes forced the team to constantly shuffle their roster, disrupting any rhythm they might have hoped to build throughout the season.
Leadership and the Future
David Bell, at the helm of the Reds since October 2018, remains a steady presence. His contract extension through 2026 ensures stability in the managerial position, even as the team faces the impending need for reevaluation and possible restructuring. With Bell signed on, there's a sense of continuity, albeit under increasing scrutiny given the Reds’ underperformance.
Nick Krall, the team's General Manager, has indicated a forthcoming period of reflection and analysis. "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," Krall remarked, hinting at potential changes on the horizon.
The Tough Road Ahead
As the Reds head into their final games of 2024, the focus inevitably shifts to what lies ahead. The upcoming evaluations by the management will be critical in shaping the team's strategy for the 2025 season. Key decisions on player development, trades, and possibly even coaching staff changes will take center stage.
The Reds have shown flashes of potential, and with a roster that has endured significant adversity this season, they may well emerge stronger. The challenge will be maintaining the core team while addressing the glaring gaps that have hampered their progress.
For now, Reds fans can look to the future with a mix of cautious optimism and realistic expectations. The path to ascending in the National League and contesting for play-off slots is steep, but not unmanageable with the right adjustments and a bit of fortune. The next few months will be telling as Cincinnati prepares to regroup and set a course back to competitiveness.