The Cincinnati Reds' 2024 season is drawing to a close, and it's been a rollercoaster ride for both the team and its fans. With a current standing of 73-77, the Reds find themselves trailing the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers by 14 games. With only 14 games remaining in the season, the reality has set in: it is mathematically impossible for the Reds to catch up and secure a spot in the playoffs.
This unremarkable finish is a stark contrast to the Reds' previous season, where they ended with an 82-80 record. This year, their postseason hopes have been extinguished entirely. According to SportsLine, the Reds' chances of making the playoffs stand at a disheartening 0.0%. In the National League wild-card race, they are nine games out from the final playoff spot.
The Reds' offensive performance has been middling at best. They rank eighth in the National League in runs scored and eleventh in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging). Despite these statistics, the team has struggled to find consistency and capitalize on scoring opportunities throughout the season.
Injuries have also plagued the Reds this year. The team is eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and ranks similarly in the number of players requiring stints on the IL. This level of attrition has undeniably hampered their ability to build momentum and string together wins.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
As the Reds navigate through this challenging season, questions surrounding the future leadership of the team have begun to surface. David Bell, who has been at the helm since October 2018, is signed through 2026. In light of the team's struggles, General Manager Nick Krall has indicated that there will be a thorough evaluation once the season concludes. "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.
Bell's tenure has seen highs and lows, with last year's near-playoff run being one of the more encouraging moments. However, this season's underwhelming performance has left many questioning whether changes need to be made to steer the team back on track.
Looking to the Future
As the Reds prepare to conclude their season, the focus will inevitably shift towards the future. Evaluations of player performance, coaching effectiveness, and front-office decision-making will likely dominate the offseason conversations. With Bell's position seemingly secure for now, the onus will be on both the players and management to devise a strategy that addresses the deficiencies exposed this year.
The Reds have shown glimpses of potential. To build on that, they must address their injury woes and find ways to amplify their offensive output. With seasoned leadership in both David Bell and Nick Krall, the foundation for future success appears to be there; it just needs the right pieces and fine-tuning to come to fruition.
For Cincinnati Reds fans, the closing chapter of the 2024 season may not offer the thrill of a postseason chase, but it opens the door for introspection, growth, and a renewed sense of hope for the seasons to come.