Cincinnati Reds: 2016 Fantasy Preview

N.L. Central

Cincinnati Reds

Must Own Fantasy Player: Joey Votto

Potential Fantasy Bust: Brandon Phillips

Prospect to Watch: Jesse Winker

The Reds struggled mightily in 2015, eventually ending the season in dead last in the central. Injuries and under-performances killed any momentum the team could build during the season, and next season’s outlook does not seem too promising either.

One revelation from the 2015 season, was that the baseball community was reminded of just how good Joey Votto actually is. He walked 143 times last season, posted a .314 AVG, and mashed 29 homers. His 80 RBI were amazing too when to think of the supporting class that he had around him. He is back to being a pick in the first rounds in 2015, and in those leagues that award OPS or OBP, he is a first round value.

The rest of the infield should shape up to be a decent bunch. Zack Cozart was playing very well at shortstop before an injury finished his season, and he could be a nice late round MI selection based on what we saw last season. The guy who replaced him, Eugenio Suraez, filled in admirably and will be tasked with replacing, Todd Frazier, at third. Like Cozart, he showed enough last season posting a, .280 AVG/13 HR/48 RBI line in only 97 games, to be worth a late round flier this spring.

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Brandon Phillips has been a fantasy stud for a while, but no one could have predicted the type of season he had in 2015. He stole 23 bags, his highest total since 2009, and raised his AVG to the highest it’s been since 2011. The only reason that I have him listed as a bust candidate is that a lot of his value last season was speed related since he only had 12 homers in 2015. It is hard to predict him stealing 20+ bags again in 2016, so owners may need to temper expectations heading into this season.

If we head to the outfield, we have some of the usual fantasy suspects. For right now at least, Jay Bruce will man rightfield and owners know what they are getting. He used to supply solid power and would not kill you average wise, but recently he has become an AVG liability while the powers has leveled off in the mid 20s. Owners can continue to expect 20+ HR and 80+ RBI, but his AVG and OBP will determine just how valuable of a fantasy asset he will be.

I like many other owners, have been enamored with Billy Hamilton and his speed since he became a regular in the bigs. But, he just cannot learn how to steal first base. He hits way too many flyballs and strikes out way more than he should be. Luckily for him, steals in baseball are becoming harder to find and if not for an injury last season, he would have easily stole 70 bags. The value is obvious, but the lows are hard to watch as well, it will be up to an owner’s patience whether or not to select him this spring.

The Reds leftfield situation seems to be fluid. An overlooked piece in the three way Frazier deal, was that they brought in, OF Scott Schebler, from the Dodgers. He had great power numbers in the minors, but did struggle in AAA last season. He should be a name to watch this spring to see if he wins the starting gig out of spring training due to the power intrigue.

The biggest injury that the team had to overcome last season was catcher, Devin Mesoraco, being sidelined by hip injury. Hip injuries are brutal, and for a guy that has to squad as much as Mesoraco, there was even talk he may have to change positions. He is only a two years removed for a 25 homer campaign, so if he looks good this spring and can avoid any setbacks, he may prove to be the best value catcher pick this season.

The only way that the Reds could realistically have a shot at surprising the league this season, will be if their young rotation can go out and excel. It looks as though they will not have a starter older than 26 years old in 2016, so the youth is evident and owners should expect some bumps along the way.

But, both Anthony DeSclafani and Raisel Iglesias, showed flashes last season that they can be solid fantasy contributors. Both should be drafted his season, especially Iglesias who is one of the more enjoyable pitchers to watch thanks to his varying arm slots and deliveries. It is easy to imagine both youngsters posting sub 3.90 ERA seasons, with decent K potential.

The rest of the rotation will consist of Brandon Finnegan and Michael Lorenzen, with the fifth spot probably being determined in the spring. Monitor Finnegan this spring as well, as he could very jump into sleeper status with a solid showing. He is an advanced arm, so it will just come down to his command as he transitions to becoming a full time starter in the bigs.

The team basically made amends with getting rid of Aroldis Chapman after offseason drama and a failed trade to the Dodgers. They shipped him to the Bronx, leaving J.J. Hoover as the de facto closer. Hoover was solid last season, but lacks to high K upside that owners want out of their closers. But, saves are saves, and he should have a firm hold on the job unless Jumbo Diaz can hone his command.

The Reds do have a nice young crop of prospects, as their top options rank well across all scouting rankings. It was hard not to put stud pitching prospect, Robert Stephenson, as the prospect to watch this season. But, I think I speak for most Reds fans, with the hope that Jesse Winker forces the Reds hand and makes them put him in left with a great showing in spring training.

He already has a pro plate approach, so getting on base will not be the issue. The only question is can he add either modest speed or power to his skillset at the major league level. I am in the boat that believes this year is the perfect opportunity for the team to give him a shot.

Next: 2016 First Basemen Rankings 20-11

The Reds are certainly in the midst of a rebuild, as the team is beginning to sell off franchise mainstays. Even though they will more than likely struggle this season, they do have a number of intriguing fantasy options heading into 2016.

Looking for more team previews?

NL West: L.A. Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks

NL East: Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, New York Mets

NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers

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