Fansided

Here’s how every MLB team will finish in 2018

By Joshua Sadlock

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 28: Manny Machado
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 28: Manny Machado /
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Cincinnati Reds: 73.5 wins

  • Baseball Prospectus: 75 wins
  • FanGraphs: 72 wins

The Reds continue to face an uphill climb in the NL Central with three teams at the top figuring to each win over 85 games. Cincinnati will provide a large portion of those wins for Chicago, St. Louis and Milwaukee, as they play 19 times each. The Reds were a 68-win team last year, and there hasn’t been much done to improve the squad.

If MLB games were decided solely by a home-run derby, the Reds might be fine. They finished sixth in the NL with 219 bombs last year and had six players hit at least 20 homers and three topping 30, led by Joey Votto who hit 36 and led MLB with 134 walks.

Cincinnati might be one of the most exciting teams to watch when they’re at the plate, but the Reds will be god-awful on the mound once again. Homer Bailey will attempt to salvage his career. Unfortunately, Anthony DeSclafani appears to be going down the same path and will start the year on the DL with an oblique injury. Can Brandon Finnegan and Amir Garrett step up? The interesting name to watch is Luis Castillo who had a 3.12 ERA in 89.1 innings as a rookie last season.

Conclusion: Until the Reds get some growth from their pitching prospects, they will struggle to top 70 wins in the NL Central. Taking the next step as a franchise hinges on getting the most out of DeSclafani, Garrett and Finnegan. This will be another 68-win season for the Reds.

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