In the eyes of many MLB fans, and even experts, this year's World Series winner will not be the undisputed champion that it usually is. The shortened 2020 campaign - starting on July 23rd - will feature just 60 games per team, which is nearly a third of the normal 162 games. There's always been a reason why baseball teams play such an unprecedented number of games. A smaller number of games would resemble an outcome too situational to determine a rightful champion.
The Cincinnati Reds failed to reach the MLB postseason yet again but there were some very encouraging signs in their 2019 performance, which is hard to find in many other 75-87 teams. The Reds achieved an 11-win year-to-year improvement behind a solid first year for manager David Bell and behind a historic season to their starting rotation, which had the fifth-best ERA in the NL.
Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers haven't been the most consistently competitive teams in recent memory. They have combined for just two NL Central titles in the last decade and had to go through unkind periods of rebuilding in order to reach their current places of contenders.
The Cincinnati Reds have been more than aggressive on the market in the last two years in their effort of ending a seven-year postseason drought. They made another statement, signing former Tigers and Cubs outfielder Nicholas Castellanos to a four-year contract, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Baltimore Orioles placed versatile infielder Jonathan Villar on waivers on Wednesday. Villar, who was worth four WAR in 2019, is expected to earn around $10 million in 2020 after arbitration.
Nicholas Castellanos completed an impressive turnaround to his 2019 campaign after he was traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Chicago Cubs. Now, after being said to have improved his defensive skill set, he could be a vital part of a not so deep free agent outfield group.
Cincinnati Reds are still looking to end their sub-.500 streak. After much hope, and some curious offseason moves, the 2019 campaign was like many others. Their winning percentage started with a four, though it was their best record since 2014. They were a long way off the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers and St Louis Cardinals.
The Cincinnati Reds acquired Trevor Bauer as part of a three team trade. The most valuable player that the Reds gave up was Taylor Trammell, who was sent to the San Diego Padres.
The National League Central is split by 4.5 games. The Chicago Cubs lead the way at 47-43, the Cincinnati Reds are sitting fifth just five games under .500 at 41-46.