In the beginning of the season, no one predicted the Cincinnati Reds would contend for a World Series championship. In fact, Cincinnati’s management and fans knew this was another rebuilding year and futility would ensue. The Reds finished 2016 with a pitiful record of 68-94, finishing in the cellar of the National League Central. As a result, the Reds acquire another high draft pick—second overall to be exact—in an opportunity to garner more talent to help replenish the farm system and potentially accelerate the rebuilding process. Throughout the team, youth abounds as the Reds have young stars both on the mound and throughout the diamond.

Joey Votto battled through a prolonged first half slump only to have a torrid second half where he batted an astonishing .408. Votto led the league once again in on-base-percentage and despite climbing the age ladder, Votto continues to produce as one of the top first basemen in the game today. Votto did not have much line up protection throughout the season due to injuries and trades. Jay Bruce was traded to the New York Mets in the middle of the season, which enabled the Reds to utilize young talent in right field and acquire assets for a player who was contributing nicely for a last place team. While Bruce did not produce the results Mets fans were expecting, his first half did enable the Reds to acquire Dilson Herrera and Max Wotell.

One of the key surprises for Cincinnati was Adam Duvall. Duvall was expected to only be a platoon player but his ability to knock the ball out of Great American Ballpark allowed him to steal playing team and even establish himself as an everyday regular. Duvall smacked 33 balls over the fence in 2016 and established career highs in RBI’s (103) and doubles (31). Duvall is a power hitter so his low average will suffice as long as he continues to contribute in other categories.

Injuries were also a common theme for the Reds this season as several key players returning from prior injuries were unable to finish the season healthy. Homer Bailey, returning from Tommy John surgery, lasted only six starts before a biceps injury caused him to miss the remainder of the season. Bailey, once a coveted Reds prospect almost a decade ago, has failed to produce up the height the Reds billed him as. For Bailey, returning healthy by spring training will be key and add much needed rotation depth in a staff that lacks major league talent outside of the five starters.

Another player returning from injury only to be derailed was Devin Mesoraco, a catcher many though would be a perennial super star in a Reds uniform. 2016 was another lost season for Mesoraco who only lasted sixteen games before having season ending shoulder surgery. In addition to the shoulder surgery, Mesoraco had another hip surgery later in the season, which leaves many wondering the future health of Mesoraco. Mesoraco contends he’ll be healthy by spring training, but he might not garner playing time due to Tucker Barhart’s terrific season behind the dish. Barnhart has earned the right to enter spring training as the starting catcher on the depth chart, which might help Mesoraco ease back into action and avoid duplicating another injury.

Billy Hamilton established himself as a leadoff man and answered many of the skeptics who questioned his ability to hit the ball. Hamilton swiped 58 bases and improved his batting average by 34 points. Hamilton was only caught stealing eight times and ripped 107 hits in 119 games. While Hamilton did lose time to injury, his play was stellar at times and the Reds believe he can continue to improve as a leadoff hitter in 2017.

Another bright piece for the Reds was an unknown commodity in Anthony DeScalfani. Acquired by the Reds in the Mat Latos trade with Miami during the off season, fans were unsure of what this deal would bring originally. However, after a terrific debut and second half, DeScalfani quitted doubters and established himself as the 2017 ace of the Reds. DeScalfani represents one of the tangible building blocks the Reds can build around both short-term and long-term. DeScalfani went 9-13, with a 4.05 ERA. After returning from injury, DeScalfani went 9-5 and composed a decent 3.28 ERA. If DeScalfani can continue his accession in the Reds rotation and avoid injury, the Reds may have found a gem in the Latos deal.

The Reds answered many perplexing questions while also creating new ones. However, with another high draft pick and free cash flow to spend in the off season, the future is relatively bright for Cincinnati fans. The burning question for the Reds this off season will be whether not roster transformation begins this season, or if another painful year of rebuilding must take place before positive results.