With the 2024 Major League Baseball season winding down, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves in familiar territory, stuck at 73-77 and unable to make a significant leap in the standings. This comes after a slightly more promising 2023 season, where they finished with an 82-80 record. However, any hope for a late push into the postseason seems to have withered.
Trailing the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers by 14 games, and with only 14 games remaining, it is now mathematically impossible for the Reds to clinch a division title. The National League wild-card race offers no solace, either, as the Reds are nine games out of the final playoff spot. According to SportsLine, their postseason chances are a flat 0.0%.
Managerial Future in Question
This disappointing season has put the spotlight on David Bell, the Reds' manager since October 2018. Despite being signed through 2026, there are murmurs of changes within the organization. Nick Krall, the Reds' general manager, has hinted that everything will be under evaluation once the season ends. "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. This statement suggests that another lackluster season could trigger managerial or operational shifts within the team.
Challenges on Offense and Injuries
Analyzing the Reds' performance metrics reveals a lackluster offense and injury challenges that have plagued their season. Ranking eighth in the National League in runs scored and eleventh in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging), the Reds' bats have simply not contributed at a level necessary to compete in a fiercely competitive division. Injuries have further compounded their problems. The team ranks eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and also eighth in the number of players requiring stints on the IL.
These struggles manifest clearly on the field. With key players consistently battling injuries and the offense unable to generate consistent firepower, the Reds have found it challenging to string together winning stretches.
What's Next?
As the Reds face the end of another disappointing season, their future hinges on off-season evaluations and potential restructuring. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining the direction the organization takes to regain competitiveness. With Krall indicating a comprehensive evaluation, fans can only hope for decisive actions that address their core issues.
While the current season has dim prospects, the Reds’ management and fans alike look forward to a resurgence, built on a foundation of better health, stronger performances, and perhaps significant changes at the helm. The expectation for a brighter 2025 will weigh heavily on the off-season decisions made by the franchise.