Expectations for the Cincinnati Reds are high for the first time in roughly six years. Due to several factors that include recent roster moves. Plus, a roster that’s finally showing promise after years of re-building.

After years of ditching everything except Joey Votto and the kitchen sink. The Reds went on a spending spree in the off-season. Adding most notably Nick Castellanos, Mike Moustakas and Shogo Akiyama. Joining a promising roster that has gradually developed in recent years. With an infield featuring Votto, Moustakas, Eugenio Suarez, Freddy Galvis and Josh VanMeter.

The Reds have a potentially stable outfield for the first time in years. Previous trades and injuries left Cincinnati’s outfield in a rather depleted state. After losing Yasiel Puig, Billy Hamilton and Jay Bruce in recent years. This year, the Reds have more options in the outfield. The Reds outfield will include Akiyama, Castellanos, Jesse Winker, Phillip Ervin and Travis Jankowski. Along with a healthy Nick Senzel; that might finally deliver what fans are expecting from him. After recovering from an injury plagued 2019 season.

Cincinnati also has an increasingly promising pitching staff. Featuring Opening Day starter Sonny Gray and last year’s Opening Day starter Luis Castillo. Joining Trevor Bauer, Wade Miley and currently injured Anthony DeSclafani in the starting rotation. Cincinnati also has a bullpen that looks more reliable compared to recent years. After previously having one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball.

Michael Lorenzen flexed his two-way playing muscles in 2019. As a reliable pitcher and a more reliable batter compared to many pitchers. The Reds could still work him into the batting order if needed. Even though the National League will have a designated hitter for the regular season. For the first time in the league’s history.

Cincinnati’s bullpen showed signs of improvement in 2019. After years of having one of the least reliable bullpen’s in baseball. Lorenzen played a signinficant role in the bullpen’s improvements. So did Amir Garrett, the bullpen’s 2019 wins leader. Raisel Iglesias had a mixed 2019, with a career-best 34 saves and career-worst 4.16 ERA. Hope springs eternal that 2020 will be a better year for the Reds closer. The depth of this pitching staff could help send Iglesias into more winnable situations.

A postseason berth seems within reach if the Reds live up to expectations. Especially since this postseason’s field is being expanded from ten to 16 teams. When examining the N.L. Central, the Reds might finish in third at worst. Finishing in first place is a real possibility for the Reds. It partly depends on how things also go for the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Brewers could be in for a down year after back-to-back postseason runs. Milwaukee and the St.Louis Cardinals appear to be the Reds biggest obstacles for the division title. The Pittsburgh Pirates are in rebuilding mode with new manager Derek Shelton. The Chicago Cubs are also making a fresh start. With rookie manager and former Reds player David Ross.

Given the nature of this season, it’s reasonable to expect anything standings-wise. A 60 game season could scrap the winter expectations for many teams. Teams go through their share of hot and cold streaks throughout a 162 game season. Cold streaks will be more insurmountable this year because of the short schedule. If the Reds live up to expectations, they should avoid the cold start they had in 2019.

The schedule could help the Reds avoid another cold start. Facing the Detroit Tigers in six of their first ten games. Detroit’s 47-114 record last year was Major League Baseball’s worst. Taking advantage of those first ten games will help the Reds live up to the hype.