The Cincinnati Reds are stuck in the middle of a six-game losing streak. The streak has had a little bit of everything in it. Blowout losses, one-run losses, and shutouts. Since starting the season out at 3-2 during their first homestand, the Reds have lost 13 of their last 17. The losing ways have dropped them to eight and a half games out of the division. They now sit just a game and a half above Colorado for the worst record in the National League.
When you’re at the bottom, there’s only one way out, and that’s up. The Reds, however, seem to play the same song and dance year after year. 2023 was never going to be a year the Reds fully competed for the playoffs. It was a year the front office was able to use to start getting the future of this team ready and in line to compete in the coming seasons. What changes need to be made for the Cincinnati Reds before this season becomes another dumpster fire?
The Cincinnati Reds Have an Offense That Is Non-Productive
The last time the Cincinnati Reds hit a home run was a week ago. An entire week without a long ball. If we were discussing this in reference to a single player, it wouldn’t look as bad. However, the fact it is in reference to an entire team is not ideal. The Reds current big league roster lacks power. The clubhouse leader in home runs is Jason Vosler with…three. This is the same player who currently is hitting .161 with an OPS of .571. The team itself is slugging just .344. Five players in the National League have a higher batting average than the Reds do slugging as a team.
Being a power-hitting team isn’t a necessity. It does help in today’s game, however. But if you’re going to lack in the power category, you still have to find a way to score runs. The Reds are in the bottom fourth in the league for runs scored. Over the course of their six-game losing streak, the offense has scored all of six runs.
What More Does Matt McLain Need to Show?
Matt McLain has gotten off to a fast start in Triple-A Louisville. Hitting .273 with five home runs, the Cincinnati Reds prospect has made his case for a deserving spot on the big league roster. So why the wait? There are plenty of names currently with the Reds who are replaceable. The previously mentioned Vosler, Kevin Newman, Nick Senzel, and even Luke Maile who is serving as the team’s third catcher. Newman has been bad. His defense at shortstop has been lacking, and his 48 wRC+ just isn’t enough to justify keeping him in a role. Shortly before the season started, I wrote about 2023 being Senzel’s potential final year with the organization. Through his first nine games, he hasn’t made much of a case to stay with the team.
Anyway you look at it, there is room for McLain on this team. It’s up to the front office to decide which lackluster player they will move on from. Perhaps returning home for a quick three-game series against the surprisingly good Texas Rangers is an open opportunity to bring McLain up.
Trust the Process?
David Bell says the team needs adjustments, but to trust the process pic.twitter.com/5N7I5XROd9
— Votto De La Cruz (@EvilJoeyVotto) April 23, 2023
After the conclusion of Sunday’s 2-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, which completed a four-game sweep, Reds manager David Bell put out an interesting line. Trusting the process is reasonable, if there is a clear process to be seen. Unfortunately, it is hard to envision that process through the first month of the season. From a fan’s perspective, it surely can’t be to field a roster of the best 26 options you have.
Over the years Bell has taken criticism for his managerial decisions. Unfair or not, I haven’t leaned toward jumping on that bus. David Bell at the end of the day only has what he has to work with. This team in 2023, 22 games in, needs a fire lit. Is David Bell capable of striking that match to get the fire going, or will this season continue to unravel?
Main photo credits: Sam Greene-USA Today Sports
Players Mentioned:
Jason Vosler, Matt McLain, Kevin Newman, Nick Senzel, Luke Maile
