How do you fix the bullpen?
David Bell didn’t rely on a dedicated closer, which resulted in 10 different relievers notching saves. Mychal Givens and Michael Lorenzen are both expected to depart as free agents in the offseason.
The club’s best reliever, Tejay Antone, is out until 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. But Cincinnati will have Lucas Sims, who overcame an elbow injury to post a 1.26 ERA with 25 strikeouts over his final 15 appearances (14 1/3 innings). Luis Cessa had a 2.05 ERA in 24 games after coming over via a trade with the Yankees. Art Warren, Tony Santillan and Dauri Moreta will all get shots to close. Amir Garrett had an unexpectedly rough season with a 6.04 ERA, but looked better in the final month. Clearly, there is work to be done to upgrade the back end of the bullpen.
Rotation depth?
Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray and Tyler Mahle are expected to be the team’s top three starters next year, but questions remain about the fourth and fifth spots. Wade Miley has a $10 million club option for 2022, and it’s not clear if it will be exercised. Vladimir Gutierrez had nice starts after being called up in late May, but ran out of gas down the stretch.
Rotation depth was an issue for the Reds this season, but it could improve in 2022 with the arrival of some younger arms. Top prospect Hunter Greene will get a chance to make the team, and No. 2 prospect Nick Lodolo could also be ready sooner rather than later.
Reiver Sanmartin impressed in two big league starts vs. the Pirates in the final week of the regular season, and Riley O’Brien could also get a longer look in the rotation next year. The club also likes Santillan as a starter.