As the Cincinnati Reds approach the final stretch of the 2024 baseball season, their current standing reflects a year fraught with struggles and missed opportunities. Holding a 73-77 record, the Reds find themselves 14 games behind the division leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers, with only 14 games left to play. This mathematical certainty means that despite any potential late-season surge, the Reds' hopes of claiming the division title have been extinguished.
The Reds' performance this season is a step back from their 82-80 record in the previous year. Falling nine games short in the highly competitive National League wild-card race, their elimination from postseason contention is almost absolute. SportsLine, a well-regarded sports analytics platform, has bluntly pegged their postseason chances at 0.0%. This stark reality leaves little room for optimism as the organization looks forward.
Offensively, the Reds have shown some flashes of competence, ranking eighth in the National League in runs scored. However, this has been overshadowed by their eleventh ranking in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging), indicating a lack of consistent power hitting and on-base percentage that could turn games in their favor. These middling statistics underscore the uneven performance that has plagued the team throughout the season.
Injuries have certainly taken their toll on the Reds. They are eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and also rank eighth in the number of players requiring stints on the IL. This barrage of injuries has not only depleted their roster but also disrupted any rhythm they hoped to establish, making their uphill climb even steeper.
Manager David Bell, who has been at the helm since October 2018, finds himself under the microscope. Despite being signed through 2026, there are questions about his future with the organization. Nick Krall, the team's general manager, indicated that evaluations will be made at the end of the year. "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, leaving the door open for possible changes in leadership.
The Reds' season has been a collection of highs and lows, and as the final games play out, the focus will inevitably turn to what adjustments need to be made in the off-season. The challenge will be addressing the multiple facets of the game where they fell short while also nurturing the elements that showed promise. The core players, health protocols to quell the injury bug, and perhaps strategic changes in management and coaching could all be on the table as the organization seeks to revitalize its playoff ambitions.
Overall, the 2024 season has highlighted both the resilience and the vulnerabilities of the Cincinnati Reds. From individual performances to managerial decisions, every aspect will be scrutinized in the quest to reclaim a competitive edge in the seasons to come. As fans and analysts speculate on the future, one thing is clear: the Reds have significant work ahead to transform their recent disappointments into a foundation for success.