Reds

MLB National League Central Cincinnati Reds 2022

In 2021, the Reds finished with a winning record at 83-79, but it was still only good enough for third in the NL Central. Finishing 12 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Reds did not make the playoffs.

Despite having a competitive 2021 season, there is growing speculation that the Reds may look to cut costs before the 2022 season. This may have been most evident because they simply allowed the rival Chicago Cubs to claim Wade Miley, who had a strong 2021 season, off waivers from them.

Furthermore, superstar Nick Castellanos has opted out of his contract as he looks to explore free agency.

To their credit, there is still talent on the Reds in the form of Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo, Joey Votto, Tyler Mahle, Jesse Winker, Jonathan India, Eugenio Suarez, and others. The question is whether the Reds’ brass will keep this group intact after the MLB lockout ends.

The Reds also have some legitimate talent down on the farm. Their top-five prospects include Hunter Greene (pitcher), Nick Lodolo (pitcher), Matt McLain (shortstop), Austin Hendrick (outfielder), and Jay Allen (outfielder). It wouldn’t be shocking to see any of the first three make their debuts in 2022.

Looking ahead to the 2022 season, this could be another disappointing one for Reds fans, especially if the team does decide to cut payroll by trading some of their better players. Still, in a division that has no clear-cut superior team, the Reds have a nucleus intact that could allow them to compete this year.

MLB National League Central Cincinnati Reds History

The Cincinnati Reds are one of the oldest professional baseball franchises still in existence today, especially considering they have only called Cincinnati home since the very beginning.

The team started in 1881 as part of the American Association. Initially known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings, they played in the AA until 1889, after which they joined the National League in 1890.

The team would spend the next 63 years as the Cincinnati Reds until 1954. From 1954 to 1958, the franchise was known as the Redlegs, until 1959 when they switched back to just the Reds.

When divisions were formed in 1969, the Reds were originally part of the NL West. They played in that division from 1969 until 1993. With realignment and the addition of another division in 1994, the Reds shifted to the NL Central. They have been in that division ever since.

Going back to 1882, the Reds have a winning record of 10,713 – 10,501, good for a .505 winning percentage.

The team has played in several ballparks despite playing in just one city. Through the end of the 1800s, they played in Bank Street Grounds (1882-1883), League Park I (1884-1893), and League Park II (1894-1901).

Starting in 1902, the team played at the Palace of the Fans until 1911. From 1912 to 1970 is their longest tenure in one park as they played in that span at Crosley Field.

In more modern times, the team played at the Riverfront Stadium from 1970 to 2002. Finally, starting in 2003, they started playing at their current ballfield, the Great American Ball Park.