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2016 MLB season: NL Central preview

By Nathaniel Reeves

Mar 29, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 27, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) hits a double against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) hits a double against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds finally entered full-fledged rebuilding mode at the trade deadline last season, something they arguably should have done earlier. Johnny Cueto, Todd Frazier and Aroldis Chapman are all gone, while Jay Bruce will probably follow at some point this year.

There are a ton of holes on the roster, and the Reds are just in the beginning stages of a long process, but there will be a couple of players worth watching in 2016.

Projected lineup:

1. Billy Hamilton, CF

2. Zack Cozart, SS

3. Joey Votto, 1B

4. Brandon Phillips, 2B

5. Jay Bruce, RF

6. Devin Mesoraco, C

7. Scott Schebler, LF

8. Eugenio Suarez, 3B

Votto remains one of the best hitters in baseball despite taking some unwarranted criticism for his patience-driven approach. Besides Votto and the solid Phillips, things could get ugly in Cincinnati’s lineup.

Perhaps the most interesting Reds position player to watch will be Suarez. Suarez posted a 105 wRC+ with 13 home runs over 97 games last year per FanGraphs.com, and will be a good piece to have if that power continues. The Reds would also like to see something from Hamilton at the plate, but it seems unlikely that he will ever be even a league-average hitter at this point.

If Cincinnati is going to be even remotely competitive, Mesoraco is going to need a huge season. Mesoraco was one of the most underrated players in the game in 2014 with 4.5 WAR in 114 games per FanGraphs before missing nearly all of last year with a hip injury.

Projected rotation:

1. Anthony DeScalfani

2. Rasiel Iglesias

3. Brandon Finnegan

4. Jon Moscot

5. Robert Stephenson

This is where much of Cincinnati’s young talent lies, as the Reds have been stockpiling young pitching through various trades in the last year. Cincinnati had an incredible 110 games  started by rookie pitchers last year, including a record 64 in a row, and will continue to rely on prospects in 2016.

Iglesias will be the starter to watch, as he could be primed for a breakout campaign. The 26-year-old posted a 4.15 ERA (3.55 FIP) over 95.1 innings last year per FanGraphs, and flashed some plus stuff while striking out over a batter per inning.

Many remember Finnegan as a member of the Kansas City Royals’ bullpen during their run to the 2014 World Series, and he has the upside to be a good starter. DeScalfani and Moscot are dealing with some injuries, so the Reds might count on veteran Alfredo Simon to step in often this season.

Strange things can happen in baseball, but it’s hard to see this roster even challenging the .500 mark. This year will be all about development, particularly on the pitching side.

Projected record:   66-96

Next: 4. Milwaukee Brewers

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