The Cincinnati Reds' playoff hopes for the 2024 season have officially been extinguished. With a current standing of 73-77, the Reds find themselves trailing 14 games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Despite having 14 games remaining in the season, it is now mathematically impossible for them to catch the Brewers.
Last season, the Reds closed out with an encouraging 82-80 record. However, they have struggled to replicate that performance this year. The team's offensive struggles are evident, as they are ranked eighth in the National League in runs scored and eleventh in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging).
The Reds have also faced significant challenges on the injury front. They are ranked eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and eighth in the number of players requiring stints on the IL. These injuries have undoubtedly taken a toll on the team's performance and consistency throughout the season.
Offense Falters, Injuries Pile Up
The Reds' offense, while capable in spurts, has not been able to sustain the potency required for a serious postseason push. Ranking eighth in runs scored in the National League indicates a moderate level of productivity; however, their eleventh-place ranking in OPS reveals struggles in both getting on base and slugging.
Injury issues have compounded these offensive struggles. The team has been without key players for significant stretches, with substantial days lost to the injury list. This has forced manager David Bell to rely on a rotating cast of players, often calling up minor leaguers to fill gaps left by injured stars.
Season Outcomes and Future Evaluations
The combination of these performance issues has all but sealed the Reds' fate for this season. In the National League wild-card race, the Reds are nine games out of the final playoff spot. SportsLine analytics puts the Reds' postseason chances at a definitive 0.0%, a sobering statistic for fans and the organization alike.
Manager David Bell, who has been at the helm since October 2018, has a contract through 2026. General Manager Nick Krall addressed the situation recently, indicating that the organization will undergo a thorough evaluation at the season's end. "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 said.
Such evaluations will undoubtedly scrutinize the team's overall strategy, player performance, and potential changes to the roster. Given the tumultuous nature of the season, these evaluations will be critical to setting a course for future success.
Battered Yet Resilient
The narrative of this season is one of a team battered by injuries and inconsistencies but still managing to compete at a respectable level. While the Reds' playoff aspirations have been dashed, their ability to remain competitive despite these adversities speaks volumes about the players' and coaching staff's resilience.
As the season winds down, the focus will shift to potential off-season moves and preparations for 2025. Reds fans will be hoping for an infusion of health and perhaps some key acquisitions that can bolster both the offense and pitching staff.
In the ever-competitive landscape of Major League Baseball, the Reds have work to do. The coming weeks will be crucial for the franchise as they begin the process of turning the page on a challenging season and laying the groundwork for a more promising future.