The Cincinnati Reds are back in the mix in 2020 as they have made yet another upgrade to their offense by adding Japanese star Shogo Akiyama! This is a player who has shown remarkable consistency throughout his long Japanese career in which he has accumulated 5,000+ plate appearances. Despite his age at 31 years, his career batting average (.301) corresponds to his latest 2019 season (.303) and his power numbers have only improved throughout his career. Akiyama has eclipsed the 20 home run mark for three consecutive years. This is a solid lead-off hitter with amazing speed — a perfect signing for a Reds team with plenty of question marks in the outfield, especially after Nick Senzel’s season-ending shoulder injury.

Akiyama is a perfect compliment to an offense that already has plenty of power — consider the fact that Aristedes Aquino hit 19 home runs in just over 200 at bats in 2019. Over an entire season, he could easily hit 40+ bombs. This is in addition to two certified sluggers in Mike Moustakas and Eugenio Suarez, both of whom you can rest assured will hit at least 35+ home runs each (Suarez crushed 49 in 2019). If Joey Votto still has enough left in the tank for a strong season in 2020, this offense could be quite formidable.

All that said, the Reds real strength is their rotation. Take a look at the 1-2-3 punch this rotation offers and their strikeouts per innings pitched in 2019.

• Luis Castillo (220 SO in 190.2 innings)

• Trevor Bauer (253 SO in 213 innings)

• Sonny Gray (205 SO in 175.1 innings)

This filthy trio within the Reds rotation is something opponents will not enjoy dealing with. To finish off the rotation, the Reds will trot out solid pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and newcomer Wade Miley. When you combine this powerful rotation with an improving offense, the Reds should be in a position to win plenty of games in 2020. Their primary issue may be the bullpen…

Raisel Iglesias strugged in 2019 and will need to have a major bounce back year to remain in the closer role. However, there are not a lot of reliable arms in that bullpen and the Reds will have to figure out how will stack up during Spring Training. There are still plenty of available relievers on the Free Agent market including former Astro Will Harris. Even if he is not affordable, Cincinnati may want to look into signing more relief pitchers even to minor league deals just to deepen their options going into Spring Training.

All in all, this is a Reds team that looks decent going into 2020. Do not count them out in a loaded NL Central Division that includes the Cardinals, Cubs and Brewers. Their only weakness may the bullpen and possibly catcher, where their current starter is Tucker Barnhart. However, keep an eye on first rounder Tyler Stephenson, set to make his debut in 2020.