It’s economics. Very expensive to sign MLB starters. Very costly to trade for MLB starters. So Reds have been heavily focused on drafting and developing MLB starting pitching. With limited success, yes, but that’s their priority.
Bullpen? Seems like a secondary priority. You can always sign a Jared Hughes, a David Hernandez, a Pedro Strop. Decent guys, inexpensive, maybe they have a good year or two.
Like anything else, if Reds prioritize finding, drafting, and developing relievers they will get a better yield. As you sow, so shall you reap.
Last edited by Kc61; 07-29-2020 at 02:35 PM.
It's really early, but with the money they said they've spent overhauling development, all of the new hires from replacing Buckley to hiring Boddy/Zinter, and the somewhat different draft approach to the HS power bats and polished college pitchers, things seem to be changing.
I'm hoping this is the start of us becoming a developmental powerhouse like Tampa Bay or St. Louis.
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