Chicago Cubs: Assessing the progress of the Central Division

Cincinnati Reds – 2017 Record: 68-94

For the Cincinnati Reds, it’s been more about subtraction than addition. Over the course of the last several years, they’ve been in the market to sell. From Jay Bruce and Zack Cozart to Brandon Phillips and Todd Frazier, the key pieces of the franchise have been traded away. All that’s left is Joey Votto. And he may choose to ride it out till the end in Cincinnati.

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The Reds added Jared Hughes to their bullpen, but outside of that, there’s not much to talk about. Signing Hughes did steal away from the Brewers pen, but the additions after him are non-existent.

The lineup will feature the speedy Billy Hamilton in the outfield and a resurgent Scooter Gennett at second base. Eugenio Suarez will man third base for the Reds, but that’s the extent of the offense for them.

The pitching has promise, as Luis Castillo and Robert Stephenson show potential. If Homer Bailey can right the ship after constant injuries for the last two years of his contract, that would be a plus. The Reds have a spectacular closer in Raisel Iglesias. The only issue will be how many games is he going to have the chance to close? The Reds are slowly working their way back, but it’s going to be a while.