MLB Insider Projects Cincinnati Reds Rotation Heading into 2024

According to Cincinnati Reds' MLB.com reporter Mark Sheldon, the Cincinnati Reds rotation at the outset of 2024 will include the talented but oft-injured Nick Lodolo. Here's how he sees the battle for the rotation playing out.

The Cincinnati Reds will be one of the trendiest picks in baseball in 2024. Armed with some of the best young position player talent in the sport, the Reds won 82 games last season and appear primed for another big jump this year.

Furthermore, the Milwaukee Brewers seem to have taken a step back in the National League Central so the division could be up for grabs.

However, if the Reds are going to take that step, they'll need to get performance from their starting rotation - one that was decimated by injury last year.

As we head into 2024, here's how Mark Sheldon of MLB.com sees the Reds rotation shaping up:

Graham Ashcraft, Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo

All of these pitchers, except Abbott, missed significant time with injuries last season. Betting he will return to previous form after two years of shoulder issues, the Reds signed Montas to a one-year, $16 million deal. Lodolo was limited to seven starts by a leg injury in '23. If someone isn't healthy, there is no shortage of alternatives to step up, including Brandon Williamson, Nick Martinez and Connor Phillips.

Phillips and Williamson were both prospects that were acquired from the Seattle Mariners while Martinez signed as a free agent this offseason.

Abbott was one of the top prospects in baseball in 2023 and debuted last season, going 8-6 with a 3.87 ERA over 21 starts.

Lodolo was previously a top prospect and remains tantalizingly talented despite his injury history. The 26-year-old only made seven starts last season and is 6-8 in his career with a 4.31 ERA.

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