The Reds are out to an early lead in the NL Central. Their 19-10 record is tied with San Diego's for third-best in the Senior Circuit, narrowly behind the Braves and Dodgers. They're on track for their best record in a month since June 2023.
It doesn't necessarily come as a surprise that the Reds have been competitive. They were a playoff team a year ago, and the division is one of the more wide open in MLB. Yet the way they've gotten to this start is more perplexing. Their two best starters haven't thrown a pitch. The back of their rotation has been knocked around. Their bullpen is walking more hitters than any other in MLB. They've had arguably the NL's least productive catching tandem and outfield.
How have they overcome all of that? The lineup has been carried by two players: one established star and a rookie who already looks like an impact slugger. Let's dig in beyond the scorching starts from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart to gauge what the front office might prioritize when they start sketching out deadline plans 6-8 weeks from now.
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They finally wrote one I wanna read dammit
They claim there is a plan. Laughable.
They might be having a good start but I have a feeling it’s not going to last.
You’re thinking too small when it comes to an outfielder. The Reds need one more dynamic player, not a retread or castoff. Think Wilyer Abreu, not Jarren Duran. Think CJ Abrams, not Jacob Young. The players I’m thinking about would cost a premium, but if there’s a year to take some risks, this is it for the Reds.