3 Reds gambles that have huge payoff potential and even bigger consequences

Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes | Katie Stratman-Imagn ImagesAll Major League Baseball organizations take risks. Unlike the big spenders, however, when a small-market club like the Cincinnati Reds take a leap of faith, they better make it count.

The Reds front office has made their fair share of gambles over the years. Some have worked out quite well while others have blown up in their faces. Such is the nature of the business.

But this season, the Reds need some of those big bets to pay major dividends. Cincinnati made some risky investments over the offseason, and if they pay off, the results could be season-altering. If those risks don't pay off, Cincy could be in a heap of…