Troubling signs are emerging within the Cincinnati Reds organization during their playoff push, with several key departures and questionable decisions raising concerns:

Recent Key Departures:

• Director of Pitching Kyle Boddy (Driveline Baseball founder) resigned
• Hitting coordinator CJ Gillman resigned
• Both cited "different direction" as reason for leaving

Earlier Concerning Events:

• Dick Williams (Head of Baseball Operations) unexpectedly resigned after 2020 playoff appearance
• Under new leadership of Nick Krall:
  • Traded closer Raisel Iglesias to Angels
  • Non-tendered valuable players Archie Bradley and Curt Casali
  • Attempted to trade star pitchers Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray
  • Let several key free agents walk without adequate replacements

Trade Deadline & Roster Management Issues:

• Only marginal bullpen improvements made (Luis Cessa, Justin Wilson, Mychal Givens)
• Failed to address critical shortstop position need
• Top prospect Hunter Greene remains in AAA despite strong performance and team needs

Pattern of Concerns:

• Resources being "reallocated" without clear strategy
• Moving away from analytics-driven approach
• Weakening of roster despite playoff contention
• Departure of respected player development personnel

The combination of these events suggests deeper organizational issues affecting the Reds' competitive position and long-term strategy. While the team remains in playoff contention, these developments raise serious questions about the franchise's direction and commitment to fielding the strongest possible team.

Related Articles

Previous Articles