As the 2024 MLB regular season winds down, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves in familiar, albeit disappointing, territory. Currently holding a 73-77 record, the Reds are 14 games back from the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, making it mathematically impossible to close the gap with only 14 games remaining.
The Reds' 2024 season has been a rollercoaster, yet the end result mirrors much of what fans have seen in the recent past. Last year, the team ended with a narrower margin, posting an 82-80 record. This season, however, their standings reflect a step back, likely due to various factors including performance inconsistencies and injuries.
Struggles Amidst the Numbers
Offensively, the Reds have shown moments of promise but have ultimately fallen short when compared on a league-wide scale. Ranking eighth in runs scored in the National League, the team's firepower has been hampered by their eleventh-place standing in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging).
In terms of overall health, the Reds have faced substantial challenges. With the eighth highest number of days lost to the injury list in MLB, and a corresponding rank for the number of players requiring stints on the IL, the team’s roster has been in a constant state of flux. Such instability can easily derail a season, and this year has proven no exception.
Managerial Future and Organizational Evaluation
Manager David Bell, who has been at the helm since October 2018, faces scrutiny as the organization looks towards the future. Bell's contract extends through 2026, but Nick Krall's recent remarks highlight that everything is on the table for evaluation. "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," said Krall.
Such statements suggest that while Bell's job is secure on paper, the front office is not ruling out any changes that might need to be made to help the team climb the standings next season. The demand for improvement is clear as expectations mount on delivering a winning formula.
Playoff Hopes Dashed
In the broader playoff picture, the Reds' hopes for a wildcard spot have been dashed. Nine games behind the final playoff spot in the National League wild-card race, and with their chances quantified at a stark 0.0% by SportsLine, Cincinnati is already looking towards rebuilding for next year. Even the most optimistic fans are coming to terms with another season ending without a playoff berth.
The challenge moving forward is multifaceted. Addressing the injury plague will be crucial, as will revamping both offensive and pitching strategies to ensure a more consistent and competitive lineup. How the Reds approach the offseason, from player development to potential trades and acquisitions, will be pivotal in defining their trajectory over the next few years.
In every corner of the organization, from the front office to the coaching staff and the players, there is a sense of urgency to turn the Reds' fortunes around. While 2024 concludes on a somber note, the wheels are already in motion for a rigorous reevaluation and strategic planning phase as the Reds eye a more promising future.