2023 MLB season preview: NL Central

5. Cincinnati Reds

David Bell will have his hands full leading the Reds in 2023. Just a couple of years ago, Cincinnati had a playoff contender, but the 2023 squad is expected to be far from that. After winning 62 games last year, the Reds made a few additions this offseason in the form of Wil Myers, Will Benson and Luke Weaver, among others, but also lost some good bats headlined by Mike Moustakas. 

Six-time All-Star and former league MVP Joey Votto is back for another year, as is second baseman Jonathan India, who will look to bounce back this season. Catcher Tyler Stephenson is also a nice young piece, but other than that, Cincinnati’s lineup is not much to write home about, and could put up even less than the four runs per game they scored last year.

The Reds’ pitching staff does feature some young talent in the form of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft. Alexis Diaz is also an exciting closer in a bullpen that could ultimately be a trouble spot in 2023.

If the young guys in the starting rotation can emerge, the Reds will give teams some close games, but the staff might also be asked to do too much if the lineup doesn’t produce. Overall, it seems likely it’ll be around 60 wins for the Reds again in 2023.