As the 2017 season approaches the 1/3 mark, the Reds rebuilding process appears to be moving along very well except for the very important area of starting pitching.
Unfortunately the starting pitching is in such a sorry state that it is difficult to project it advancing to even league average standards prior to 2019 at the earliest. Another season or two beyond that point may be required for the starting pitching to reach the level it needs to be for the Reds to be a serious championship contender.
In the meantime, the current group of position players will move into and through their period of team control, becoming evermore expensive.