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3 reasons the Reds will win the NL Central, 1 weakness that could bite them

By Zach Pressnell

Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds acknowledges the crowd before his first at bat of the season in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park on June 19, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds acknowledges the crowd before his first at bat of the season in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park on June 19, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Alexis Diaz, Reds, MLB Ruomrs
Alexis Diaz, Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

2. The consistency of the bullpen could lead the Reds to the NL Central title

To win a division title or hold any sort of sustained success, a team needs a reliable bullpen. There won’t be any consistent success if a team is continuously giving games away in the last few innings. Luckily for the Reds, their bullpen has been one of their biggest strengths.

This bullpen is anchored by, potentially the best closer in the game, Alexis Diaz. Diaz is a perfect 19/19 on save opportunities where he holds the longest active save streak in the MLB. Diaz has improved across the board, with an improved H/9, K/9 and BB/9. His 1.80 ERA and 0.867 WHIP across 30 innings pitched rank among the best bullpen arms in the game.

The Reds have also seen consistent quality innings from a few unsung heroes. Lucas Sims has been much improved this year, typically handling the 8th innings in close games. Buck Farmer has been a reliable mid-late-inning reliever for the Reds.

Alex Young has been a good option out of the bullpen for the Reds, but he is the only lefty in the pen. Even Ian Gibaut has given them quality innings in the middle of the games. The Reds will look to continue to improve their bullpen at the deadline though.

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