Reds gain experience, seek consistency in 2017

CINCINNATI — If the 2016 season and the previous offseason were marked by massive upheaval for the Reds, this winter should be comparatively tamer when it comes to changes involving players on the field.

Many of the younger players were given opportunities — with varying degrees of results — but their acquired experience should be to the team’s benefit heading into 2017.

• 2016 was tale of two seasons for Reds

“Everyone knows our team is a young team. We have to keep developing, even me, and keep working hard,” said reliever Raisel Iglesias, via interpreter Julio Morillo. “I think this team is going to be really good in the future if we keep going and keep doing the smallest thing, working on the small details.”

Once the team became healthier, the current group seemed to jell, and performances improved — especially with contributions from Iglesias in the bullpen, Anthony DeSclafani in the rotation and Billy Hamilton in the leadoff spot.

“When guys aren’t coming up and just trying out, we’re more comfortable with guys up here,” reliever Michael Lorenzen said. “You will see what you’ve seen from the second half, but it will be even better. It will be fresh, and it will be new.”

The retooling may not be finished as the bullpen’s depth needs to be improved. Starting pitchers will need to show more consistency toward working deeper into games, and the pitching staff as a whole must cut down on home runs and walks allowed after a record-setting year for long balls. In the lineup, the club must determine if its veteran middle infield tandem of Brandon Phillips and Zack Cozart should remain or be moved to make way for the likes of Jose Peraza and/or Dilson Herrera.

Cincinnati will likely get little mention next spring as contenders, especially when it shares a division with a team like the Cubs. But the goal will be continued progress and pushing toward playing winning baseball throughout the season.

“We have to continue to grow together, continue to build on the good things we’ve done this year,” catcher Tucker Barnhart said. “We’ve had so many young starters this year show that they belong in the Major Leagues as starting pitchers, Brandon Finnegan especially. He’s had a hell of a year. It’s something he should be happy with. He’s a guy we’ll really need to count on, as well as other guys. We have young, talented players as well as veteran guys that have helped us all out a ton.”

Here is a look at where the Reds stand heading into the offseason:

Free agents: RHP Alfredo Simon; RHP Ross Ohlendorf

Arbitration eligible: SS Cozart (third year); OF Hamilton (first …

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