The Cincinnati Reds' 2024 season is drawing to a close, and it has been far from the turnaround fans had hoped for following a promising 82-80 record in 2023. Currently standing at 73-77, the Reds find themselves languishing 14 games behind the division leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers, with only 14 games left to play. This deficit makes it mathematically impossible for them to catch the Brewers, eliminating any lingering hopes of a dramatic late-season surge to capture the division.
The Reds' postseason aspirations also look grim in the wild-card race, where they trail by nine games for the final playoff spot. SportsLine has already put their postseason chances at a disheartening 0.0%. This marks another year of disappointment for a franchise and fanbase yearning for playoff success.
Offensive Struggles and Injuries
Although the Reds' offense has shown flashes of brilliance this season, ranking eighth in the National League in runs scored, their overall performance has been inconsistent. Their OPS (On Base Plus Slugging) ranks eleventh in the National League, highlighting a significant area of concern. These offensive struggles have been compounded by substantial injury issues. The Reds are eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and for the number of players requiring stints on the IL.
Managerial Stability Amid Uncertainty
David Bell, who has been at the helm since October 2018, remains a steady presence for the Reds. Bell is signed through 2026, providing some stability amid the team's current struggles. However, with the season nearing its conclusion, evaluations and potential changes are on the horizon. Nick Krall, the team's general manager, alluded to this in his recent remarks: "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's statement underscores the Reds' intent to take a comprehensive look at the organization once the season wraps up, assessing what steps need to be taken to improve the team's performance and return them to contention. With a losing record this year and an offense that hasn't met expectations, tough decisions may be forthcoming.
Looking at the broader picture, the Reds are in a phase where they need to identify key areas for enhancement. Evaluations will likely cover player performance, coaching staff efficacy, and overall strategy. The focus might turn to bolstering their offensive capabilities and mitigating the impact of injuries, two critical aspects that have hampered their campaign.
As the Reds play out their final 14 games, the organization and its fans will be watching closely, not just for any late-season highlights, but also for any signs of what the future might hold. While the immediate prospects for this year are bleak, the groundwork laid during this evaluation period could set the tone for the 2025 season and beyond. As always, in baseball, hope springs eternal, and the Reds will be looking to their offseason moves to reignite that hope for the years ahead.