Back for another installment of my MLB Offseason Breakdown for the 2021 season. If you are new here, what I do is write about all the acquisitions and losses the team had, my projected lineups and rotations, grade for the offseason, and my prediction for the team in the 2021 season. I’m also going to some different things now during the 2021 predictions so check that out at the bottom. Let’s get into it.
Acquisitions and Losses:
RHP Trevor Bauer signs a 3 year $102 million contract with the Dodgers
If you know me then you know how I feel about Trevor Bauer. If you don’t then here is a quick, calm explanation about Trevor Bauer. HE SUCKS. He is not a good pitcher and had to face easy competition all season long last season. Don’t believe me, fine, but you’re an idiot. Read what this nerd had to say with real stats to back me up. Trevor Bauers season will go down as the most overrated, undeserving Cy Young in MLB history, and that’s the facts jack. So be happy Reds fans that you don’t have to deal with this loser anymore, especially with the contract he got.
RHP Anthony DeSclafani signs a 1 year $6 million contract with San Francisco
The Reds lose another starter, but Reds fans should be fine with this loss. DeSclafani had his worst season in the MLB where he only started 7 games due to injury and finished the season with a 7.22 ERA. Now DeSclafani could return to form this season if he’s healthy, but I’m fine with letting someone guy with a career ERA of 4.29.
LHP Sean Doolittle signs a 1 year $1.5 million contract
The Reds bring in Doolittle after having his worst season in the MLB, and it’s interesting to see where Doolittle goes from here. At 34 years old, there not much time the two-time All-Star has left. I’m sure he’s not going to have another +5 ERA season this year and be a useful relief pitcher for the Reds. I expect Doolittle to have an ERA around 4.25-4.5 this season as a late relief pitcher.
Projected Lineup:
C: Tucker Barnhart
1B: Joey Votto
2B: Jonathan India
3B: Mike Moustakas
SS: Eugenio Suarez
LF: Jessie Winker
CF: Nick Senzel
RF: Nick Castellanos
Projected Rotation:
1. Luis Castillo
2. Sony Gray
3. Wade Miley
4. Tyler Mahle
5. Michael Lorenzen
Offseason Grade: C-
2021 Predictions:
Best Player: Nick Castellanos
Castellanos is one of the most underrated players in the MLB, and that’s probably because he hasn’t played for any big-time teams for most of his career. He was on the cubs for half a season, but they didn’t make the playoffs that year. That’s fine tho because Castellanos will thrive this season and be the best player on this team. Expect Castellanos to get his average around the .300 mark and +30 home runs +90 RBIs.
Biggest Progression: Nick Senzel
Nick Senzel didn’t show us much when he was called up to the majors in 2019 and was even worse last year. I think things will change this season as the soon-to-be 26-year-old will have a very good season and will be the primary starting centerfielder. Senzel is going to show us what all the hype was about when he was getting called up in 2019.
Biggest Regression: Mike Moustakas
Mike Moustakas had a pretty bad 2020 campaign and I don’t think things are going to get better. One positive is that Moustakas will find himself back at his normal position, but I think the three-time All-Star is going to have stats similar to the 2020 season
Biggest Surprise: Dee Strange-Gordon
Now, this all depends on if Gordon is in the Majors this season as the 32-year-old did sign a minor league contract in the offseason with the Reds. I think Gordon will find himself starting some games with the Reds this season, especially if Mike Moustakas doesn’t play up to the level most are expecting him to.
2021 Finish: 2nd in the NL Central
The NL is so hard to predict because of how good the league is. There are a lot of good teams and with the MLB going back to the normal playoff format, it seems unlikely that the Red can make the playoffs. They are a good team, but there are better who will be making the two wild-card spots. I think the biggest problem with the Reds will be their pitching. Outside of Castillo and Gray, the Red pitching isn’t very good. If they do want to try and take one of the two wild card spots they need to acquire a starting pitcher at the deadline because right now I am not confident in what they are going to start the season off with.
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