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The Cincinnati Reds definitely have some tough times ahead. The list of players the Reds have lost in the last year is sad to say the least, including such staples as Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Aroldis Chapman and Todd Frazier. The Reds took some chances on big contracts on Homer Bailey and Joey Votto in recent years. As of now, only one of those contracts has come even close to paying for itself. The Reds do have some glimmers of a bright future in players like Robert Stephenson and Jose Peraza, but 2016 does not carry many high hopes. If the Reds are to have any chance of even competing this season, these five players need to stay healthy.
5. Homer Bailey
Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports5. Homer Bailey
Bailey is already dealing with an injury and is not expected to return until Mid-May. The Reds put all their chips on Bailey instead of Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake. Another injury to Bailey could lose some jobs in the front office.
4. Billy Hamilton
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports4. Billy Hamilton
Hamilton has been seen as one of the fastest baserunners in baseball. He has continued to have problems at the plate though, struggling to hit for the Mendoza line. If he gets injured, he can kiss his leadoff spot goodbye for good.
3. Brandon Phillips
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports3. Brandon Phillips
Sure, Jose Peraza is sitting in the wings, waiting for something to happen with Phillips, whether by trade or injury. Phillips is a fan favorite, though, so losing him for any length of time could hurt the Reds on the field and in the stands.
2. Jay Bruce
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports2. Jay Bruce
The Reds are going to lose Bruce. It’s a matter of when and not if. The Reds could have maximized their value by trading him last year or even this offseason, but they didn’t. If Bruce is hurt, all of his trade value is lost.
1. Joey Votto
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports1. Joey Votto
If it were not for Votto, last year and the years to come would be even harder for Reds fans to stomach. If Votto gets hurt somehow this season, not only is the season completely doomed, but a collective groan will be heard throughout Cincinnati.
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