The Cincinnati Reds' 2024 season has taken a disappointing turn as the team currently holds a 73-77 standing. This marks a step back from their 82-80 record in the prior season. With only 14 games remaining, the Reds are trailing 14 games behind the division leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers. This deficit has rendered it mathematically impossible for the team to close the gap.
Notably, the Reds' chances of making it to the postseason appear equally bleak. In the fiercely competitive National League wild-card race, the Reds are nine games out of the final playoff spot. According to SportsLine, their postseason chances are pegged at a non-existent 0.0%.
Offensively, the Reds have shown flashes of competence, ranking eighth in the National League in runs scored. However, their batting strength is somewhat undermined by their eleventh position in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging). Factors contributing to the team's uneven performance include significant challenges with injuries; the Reds are eighth in MLB for total days lost to the injury list and rank similarly in the number of players requiring stints on the IL.
The managerial future of David Bell, who has been at the helm of the Reds since October 2018, has come under scrutiny as the season winds down. Bell is signed through 2026 but the team’s recent performance has raised questions about potential changes. Nick Krall, a key decision-maker within the Reds organization, recently commented on the situation: "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's remarks underscore the comprehensive evaluation the franchise intends to undertake. This introspection could cover a range of areas from coaching strategies and player performance to medical and training protocols given the high incidence of injuries this season. The intent is clear: to identify and address the factors that have impeded the team’s progress and pave the way for a more competitive future.
As the season nears its conclusion, the Reds find themselves at a critical juncture. With postseason dreams dashed and an introspective offseason ahead, the team and its fans will look for answers and hope for a turnaround in the forthcoming seasons.