Don't overlook the Reds in 2020 World Series odds

The Cincinnati Reds made a flurry of positive moves during the offseason that could yield spectacular results, and possibly even their first World Series title since 1990. The club is currently listed at +2600 on BetAmerica's MLB futures.

Cincinnati made lots of noise in the offseason

The Reds made a pair of big splashes in free agency, and their first was inking second baseman Mike Moustakas to a four-year, $64 million contract. Fresh off a career-high .845 OPS for the division-rival Brewers in 2019, "Moose" serves as a significant upgrade over Jose Peraza, last year’s everyday second baseman for Cincinnati.

The Reds now have All-Star talent at three of the four infield positions, with franchise cornerstone Joey Votto at first, and last year’s breakout star, Eugenio Suarez (.271 average, 49 homers, 103 RBI), at third. Freddy Galvis is a weak spot at shortstop, but the Reds still have some room to add talent at the position during the campaign as their payroll is just north of $133 million, 16th in the majors.

The Reds' outfield is loaded

Cincinnati also added outfielder Nick Castellanos to the equation on a contract identical to that of Moustakas. The longtime Tiger was disgruntled in Detroit, so he was dealt to the Cubs late last year. The change of scenery did wonders for him, as his average in Chicago was .321 compared to .279 in the Motor City. Castellanos hit 16 homers as a Cub in just 51 games, whereas he hit only 11 in 100 games for the Tigers in 2019. The Florida native is likely to occupy right field on Opening Day, with sophomore Nick Senzel in center, and the reliable Jesse Winker (.842 OPS over three seasons) in left. Five-time Japan League All-Star Shogo Akiyama, signed to a three-year, $21 million deal in the offseason, adds depth to the outfield.

Luis Castillo anchors a first-rate rotation

The Reds boast one of the better top-to-bottom rotations in baseball in 2020, with All-Star Luis Castillo (15-8, 3.40 ERA) topping the list. Sonny Gray (11-8, 2.97 ERA), who also made the 2019 All-Star Game, is a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter, depending on how manager David Bell wants to utilize he and 2019 mid-season acquisition Trevor Bauer (4.04 career ERA). Anthony DeSclafani has been a reliable innings-eater for Cincinnati for four seasons now (4.01 ERA in that span) and under-the-radar free agent signing Wade Miley (4.23 career ERA) could prove to be a bargain at his $4.25 million salary. Cincinnati returns most of the key cogs from a bullpen that was seventh in batting average against in 2019, including closer Raisel Iglesias (34 saves).

Cincy will need a little luck in 2020

It would take a big jump to go from 75-87 to a World Series appearance, but hopefully luck will be on the Reds’ side in 2020. Cincinnati was one of the league’s unluckiest teams by Pythagorean Expectation (expected win-loss record based on run differential) in 2019, finishing at minus-5. The expected regression of the Brewers, Cardinals, and Cubs could pave the way for the Reds to win their first division crown since 2012. Once securely in the playoffs, anything could happen.

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