Despite a busy week in Cincinnati sports news; this week’s review examines the 2019 Cincinnati Reds season. Which wrapped up this past weekend on a winning note in Pittsburgh.

Regardless of the results, the 2019 Reds season was set to be eventful. With commemorations for the 150th anniversary of baseball’s first all-professional team. An anniversary marked by the Reds and all across Major League Baseball. Plus, Marty Brennaman’s retirement as a Reds announcer after 46 seasons. Along with David Bell’s first season as the Reds manager.

The Reds finished 2019 with their best record in five years. Finishing the 2019 season with a 75-87 record; one loss worse than their 2014 finish. The last time the Reds finished a season with less than 90 losses. Cincinnati also managed to avoid finishing last in the National League Central. Wrapping up 2019 in fourth place ahead of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Much like the Reds in general, David Bell’s first season as manager is earning mostly good reviews. Cincinnati is still facing the same challenges they faced with Bryan Price as their manager. Leaving many base runners stranded and blowing early leads. The Reds also lost many one-run games this season. Going 24-33 in one-run games and a game above .500 in blowouts.

Nonetheless, the Reds are a team with new signs of life. Most notably, having their most reliable pitching staff since 2013. A staff led in part by All-Star pitchers Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray. Overall, they have most of the pieces in place to contend next year. Plus, the Reds are now mostly acquiring talented players instead of shedding them.

Reds fans have between now and March 26, 2020 to reflect on the 2019 season. Several Reds players had seasons worthy of accolades. Eugenio Suarez had a spectacular season at the plate. Ending 2019 with 49 home runs, the most in a season by a Venezuelan-born player in MLB history. Only New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso hit more homers in this regular season.

Pitching-wise, Luis Castillo had a spectacular year on the mound. Earning his first All-Star Game appearance this season. His 15 wins this season ranks fifth in the National League. Elsewhere pitching-wise, teammate Sonny Gray had the fifth best ERA in the NL; Raisel Iglesias finished tied for third in NL saves. Meanwhile, Michael Lorenzen made history this September. In one game he was the winning pitcher, a center fielder and hit a home run. Becoming the first player since Babe Ruth to do all of that in one game.

This was all part of a 2019 season that leaves Reds fans hopeful for 2020. Ultimately, it’s perhaps the most optimistic Reds fans have been in the late 2010’s.