The Cincinnati Reds had one of the worst offensive seasons in the history of the franchise in 2014. That was the first year of the rebuild. Four seasons later and the light is coming at the end of the tunnel.
Looking at the starting eight for the Reds, only three players were starters prior to the 2014 season. First baseman Joey Votto and shortstop Zack Cozart have held their positions for years, while catcher Devin Mesoraco took over the starting role during the 2013 season. Of the remaining five, only one came up through the Reds’ farm system.