QUICK NOTES: Reds Notes: De La Cruz, Offseason, Martinez simply because…
Elly De La Cruz is perhaps the most eectrifying young talent to emerge from the Reds’ farm system in recent memory. His major league debut in 2023 caused a significant stir, showcasing his combination of raw athleticism, speed, power, and instincts. De La Cruz, a switch-hitting shortstop, immediately made a mark with his ability to drive the ball, particularly on the ground, while also demonstrating the patience and awareness to work counts and draw walks.
With a frame standing at 6’5” and a lean 200-pound body, De La Cruz is a rare combination of size, speed, and baseball IQ. His physical tools are top-tier: he possesses a cannon of an arm, elite speed on the base paths, and raw power that rivals anyone in the game. What sets him apart is his maturity in how he approaches the game, mixing youthful exuberance with the kind of focus many expected to develop as he progressed through the minor leagues. His ability to impact the game on multiple fronts makes him a potential superstar.
However, the 2024 offseason will be crucial in helping De La Cruz refine his skills. As with any young talent, there will be growing pains, and the Reds will likely look to improve his swing mechanics, defensive consistency, and overall approach at the plate. There were stretches of inconsistency for De La Cruz in his rookie season, particularly in terms of pitch recognition and his propensity to swing through breaking balls. As he continues to adjust to major league pitching, it’s important for the Reds’ coaching staff to work with him in honing his weaknesses.
One area where De La Cruz will likely receive substantial coaching is his baserunning. Although he has blazing speed, he was occasionally caught off guard in base-running situations. A few too many instances of poor jumps or hesitation in certain scenarios left fans wondering if his base-stealing prowess could be harnessed more effectively. With a year of big-league experience, though, the expectation is that De La Cruz can turn this area of his game into one of his strongest assets.
The Reds will be smart to let De La Cruz continue to develop at a measured pace in 2024. With the Reds’ franchise’s hope pinned on him, the offseason will be all about preparation—ensuring that he can handle the pressure and perform consistently at the highest level. There’s no denying that De La Cruz will be the face of the franchise for years to come, and his development in the coming months will be the central storyline as the Reds continue their push to return to contention.
Reds Offseason: Looking Ahead to Contention
The Cincinnati Reds’ front office enters the offseason with key decisions to make, especially in terms of roster construction. After a promising 2023 season that saw the team play meaningful games well into September, the Reds are clearly on the rise. But to truly compete with the National League’s best, they need to shore up weaknesses while enhancing areas that showed promise last season.
- Pitching and Bullpen Needs
The pitching staff is undoubtedly a priority for the Reds this offseason. Despite several breakout performances from young pitchers, such as Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott, the Reds’ starting rotation was not consistent enough to sustain long-term success. Greene and Lodolo, when healthy, have electric stuff, but both have battled injuries in their young careers, making them an uncertain anchor for the rotation. The Reds will likely target an experienced starting pitcher during free agency—someone who can complement their younger arms, provide stability, and potentially take over as the staff ace if needed.
In the bullpen, the Reds were slightly more reliable but could still benefit from a veteran arm or two. This could be in the form of a proven setup man or closer, given that the team’s bullpen fluctuated in terms of consistency. Adding depth here will allow manager David Bell to have more flexibility, especially in high-leverage situations.
- Adding Offensive Depth
While De La Cruz and other players like Jonathan India and Spencer Steer showed promise in 2023, the Reds’ offense still struggled at times with production, especially against left-handed pitching. They are likely to explore upgrades at positions like the outfield, first base, or catcher. A reliable bat with experience in these spots would provide a solid complement to their young nucleus and offer balance across the lineup.
The offseason also gives the Reds an opportunity to work on developing their younger players. The team needs to decide if it is time to fully trust the youth movement, or if there are gaps that can be filled with a more experienced roster. Either way, the Reds are shaping up to be a serious contender in 2024, but whether they can elevate themselves from a team on the rise to a playoff contender will depend on how they address these areas of need.
Nick Martini: Why Keep Him Around?
Nick Martini, 34, is a player that perhaps does not garner the same attention as the De La Cruz’s or India’s of the world. He is not a player on the brink of superstardom, and in fact, Martini’s big-league career has been relatively modest, marked by time spent in the minors, short stints in the majors, and few opportunities to showcase his skills on a regular basis. So why mention Martini in an article that’s focused on the future of the Reds? Simply because.
Martini’s value is often understated, and his importance to the Reds can’t be dismissed entirely. Martini is a veteran outfielder who adds depth to the roster, providing an experienced option to fill in when necessary. Though he is not a flashy player, Martini brings a steady approach at the plate, a decent batting eye, and reliable defense. He is the kind of player that can step in when injuries strike, or serve as a solid bat off the bench late in games.
For Martini, 2024 could very well be a make-or-break year in terms of his future with the Reds. He’s not a lock for a starting role, but he does bring a sense of stability and maturity that can help a team trying to contend. Martini also serves as a reminder of the importance of having role players who contribute in ways that don’t always show up in the highlight reels. His professionalism, leadership, and clutch hitting could prove to be invaluable for a young team like the Reds.
Whether Martini stays in Cincinnati or moves on in the offseason, his presence is a reminder that baseball is more than just stars. Role players, utility men, and veterans all contribute to the fabric of a team’s identity. The Reds, while focusing on their future stars, also need to find space for players like Martini—those who simply get the job done in the quieter moments.
Conclusion
The Cincinnati Reds are poised to make some major moves this offseason, with the development of Elly De La Cruz as the cornerstone of their future. While the focus will undoubtedly be on building a competitive roster around their young stars, the offseason will also bring opportunities to strengthen the pitching staff and add key role players, like Nick Martini, to help provide depth. With the right moves, the Reds have a chance to position themselves as a team to watch in 2024—and beyond. Their season will be defined not only by the young talent rising through the ranks but by how well they fill in the gaps, learn from their growing pains, and rise to the challenge of real playoff contention. The journey continues.
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