Reds Face Most Crucial Stretch of 2021 Season

First of all, the ISC crew would like to send a big congratulations to Jesse Winker and Nick Castellanos, for their selection as starters in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game in Colorado. Next, as you know, the 2021 season has been one of ups and downs for the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds entered the month of June with a record of 24-28. Coming off a nice 11-1 victory over the Philadelphia to end the month of May, the Reds were smoked by the Phillies by a score of 17-3 to begin June, keeping them in fourth place in the division.

From there the Reds went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in a four game series, on the road for the first time in 31 years. Cincinnati returned home for a quick six game series where they won four of those, including a sweep of the Colorado Rockies. The Reds hit the road to face the top team in the division, the Milwaukee Brewers. A three game sweep ensued, giving the Reds a load of confidence as they were set to head west to face the San Diego Padres.

Looking at the situation, it was a perfect storm for the Reds. The Padres were playing brutal baseball, coming home to play the Reds in front of a packed house for the first time since 2019. The Reds headed to San Diego, winners of 11 of 14 in June but that is where the fun ended. The Padres swept the Reds in that four game series and handing Cincinnati a major dose of reality. Since that road sweep of the Brewers, the Reds have lost 9 of their last 14, including dropping two of three to the Padres at home.

Next up, a three game home series against the Chicago Cubs and the most crucial stretch of the season for the Cincinnati Reds. Currently the Reds are sitting at 40-40 on the season and in third place in the division. Chicago sits just ahead of the Reds, a game and a half ahead. Taking two of three in this series would put the Reds a half of a game behind Chicago in the standings, putting them in a great spot as they begin a three game stand against the last place Kansas City Royals. Before the All-Star break, the Reds will face the Brewers again to wrap up the first half of the season.

For the Reds to remain in the hunt for the division, they must go 7-3 in these next 10 games heading into the All-Star break. They are currently sitting eight games behind Milwaukee and are 5-4 against them this season. Milwaukee is 9-1 in their last 10 games and have been playing great baseball lately. A split with them keeps the Reds where they are. While a sweep over Milwaukee would be a dream, you have to be realistic with expectations.

With Sonny Gray returning tonight to the Reds rotation, things are looking better for the Reds. Taking two of three against Chicago and Kansas City would be great for them heading into the Brewers series. If things go south and they don’t get the results needed, this season could quickly take a turn. Milwaukee could effectively blast the Reds into selling mode after the All-Star break, drastically changing the way the Reds will look going into 2022.

Castellanos, who is making $16 million this season has an opt-out after this season and will surely use that to head to free agency again. Castellanos leads baseball in average (.346), hits (103) and doubles (27) and is an early candidate for National League MVP. If Castellanos hits free agency, the dude is going to get paid. If things hit the fan and the Reds season goes sideways, they could look at trading Castellanos to a contender. With the opt out, he would be treated as a rental player and the Reds would not get as much in return.

Regardless, of how the season has gone so far between the ups and downs, the next 10 games are some of the most crucial games the Cincinnati Reds will be playing this 2021 season. This is put up or shut up time for the Reds and if they can get more into contention, this summer should be a lot of fun at Great American Ballpark.

Chris Asbrock is a staff writer and analyst for Impact Sports Cincinnati and can be followed on Twitter Follow @iamchrisasbrock and Follow @ISCincy