Red hot: Three keys to Cincinnati's turnaround
The Cincinnati Reds started the 2022 MLB season 3-22 en route to a last-place finish in the National League Central. But as of Thursday they own the league's longest winning streak (11 straight) and lead the division.
So what's behind the Reds' resurgence? Let's dive in.
1. New Blood
At the center of Cincinnati's win streak has been rookie phenom Elly De La Cruz. The 21-year-old shortstop has played in 14 games since being called up earlier this month and has shown the ability to for both power and average.
In his debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers De La Cruz ripped a double (112 mph off the bat) off Tony Gonsolin before mashing a 458-foot home run the next day. He's also displayed elite speed, going a perfect 6-for-6 on stolen base attempts this season as well as beating out this infield single.
Current face of the franchise Joey Votto told "The Dan Patrick Show" De La Cruz "just has 'it'."
Between his speed on the bases and power at the plate, he's "everything you could ask for in a prospect."
2. The "Other" Diaz
Last season, New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz took the league by storm with a combination of excellent pitching and a viral bullpen entrance. With Edwin sidelined for the season after blowing out his knee at the World Baseball Classic, his brother Alexis has stolen the spotlight.
In 32 appearances in 2023, Diaz is perfect in 20 save opportunities with 55 strikeouts to just 15 walks to go with a .140 batting average against and surrendered just a single home run.
The key to Diaz's success has been his fastball that, despite only being in the 69th percentile for velocity per baseballsavant.mlb.com, has a spin rate in the 97th percentile. This has made him one of the hardest pitchers in baseball to make contact against as evidenced by his elite whiff and barreled ball ratings.
3. Andrew Abbott
Like De La Cruz, Abbott is a rookie product of the Reds farm system.
He made his MLB debut on June 5 against the Milwaukee Brewers, striking out six and allowing just one hit in six shutout innings. He didn't allow his first run until Wednesday night's start against the Colorado Rockies, allowing three but still striking out a career-high 10.
Abbott is an anomaly in today's game, with his fastball averaging just below 93mph (40th percentile).
Despite the relative lack of velocity, MLB batters are still hitting just .175 against his fastball. They're also struggling to make contact at all with his breaking pitches, swinging through his curveball 21.9 percent of the time and his sweeper at a 26.7 percent clip.
With starter Hunter Greene on the 15-day Injured List, Abbott has an opportunity to establish himself as the best starting pitcher on a staff that has struggled so far this season (3rd-worst ERA for starting pitchers) despite the team's success.
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