30. Cincinnati Reds
We are projecting the Reds to have a very tough season. That’s not to say there aren’t some reasons to get excited. Hunter Greene flashed ridiculous ability last year, routinely touching 100 MPH on his fastballs (though the team hopes his command and development on secondary pitches has improved). Old man Joey Votto is back yet again in the heart of the order, likely hitting right behind Jonathan India. When your big free acquisition is Wil Myers…things aren’t going super well for you. This is a team projected to strikeout a ton — and give up a boatload of homers in one of the league’s most hitter-friendly parks. At the very least, should Greene show some real improvement, the Reds will take it. He’s got the stuff to be a future ace.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
29. Washington Nationals
The Nationals are in a full rebuild. Starting from scratch, much of the core from this current team exists in the trades that sent Trea Turner and Juan Soto elsewhere. Youngsters like Josiah Gray, MacKenzie Gore, Cade Cavalli, Keibert Ruiz, and C.J. Abrams will all get the chance to play extensively for the first times in their young careers. Along the way, there should be some speedbumps. It doesn’t help that Washington plays in arguably the most competitive and talented division in all of baseball. This season will be measured by hopeful improvement from their collection of young talent.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
