As the 2024 MLB season winds down, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves at a crossroads. With a current standing of 73-77, the Reds have mathematically eliminated themselves from playoff contention. They trail 14 games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers with only 14 games left to play, making it impossible to close the gap. Additionally, with a nine-game deficit in the National League wild-card race and SportsLine assigning them a 0.0% chance of making the postseason, the Reds' hopes for a late surge are officially dashed.
This season stands in stark contrast to their 82-80 record from last year, showing a regression in performance that has fans and analysts questioning the direction of the team. Despite a respectable eighth-place ranking in the National League for runs scored, the Reds' overall offensive production has been mediocre at best, evidenced by their eleventh-place standing in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging).
To compound their struggles, the Reds have faced significant challenges with injuries. They rank eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and similarly, eighth for the number of players requiring stints on the IL. These persistent health issues have undoubtedly hampered their ability to maintain consistency and competitiveness throughout the season.
The managerial reins have been in the hands of David Bell since October 2018. Under his leadership, the team has experienced fluctuating success. Bell is under contract through 2026, but the end of this season may bring discussions about his future. Nick Krall, the team's general manager, hinted at impending evaluations, saying, "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."
These remarks suggest that the Reds' front office is leaving the door open for possible changes. Whether this foreshadows a shift in managerial strategy, player roster overhauls, or even a broader organizational restructuring, remains to be seen.
The Reds have shown flashes of potential, but injury woes and inconsistent performances have clouded their season. As Cincinnati looks toward the offseason, the club faces critical decisions that will shape its future trajectory. Will they double down on core players or seek fresh talent? Will Bell remain at the helm, or will a change in leadership provide the spark the team needs? These questions will likely dominate discussions as the Reds evaluate their next steps in the weeks to come.
In a season that's ending without playoff baseball, the Reds organization and its fans are left contemplating what could have been and what should be done to turn aspirations into reality in the near future. The results of these evaluations will determine if Cincinnati can reclaim its competitive edge or continue to languish in mediocrity.