### Two Reds Veterans Who Could Be Benched as the 2024 Season Falters
As the Cincinnati Reds’ 2024 season heads toward its conclusion, the team’s future remains in flux. While the Reds have made significant strides in rebuilding, with a younger and more dynamic roster, they still face several challenges that could affect their competitiveness in the latter half of the season. For a team that is attempting to develop its core of young talent and improve on both sides of the ball, the performance — or lack thereof — of certain veterans could become a tipping point for who gets playing time moving forward.
With the Reds in a transition period, there are two veterans in particular whose continued struggles could put their place in the lineup at risk. These are players who, while possessing a wealth of experience and leadership, have shown signs of slowing down or failing to meet expectations in the 2024 season. If the team is to remain competitive and prioritize the development of younger players, the benching of these veterans could become a realistic option as the season falters.
### 1. **Joey Votto – The Aging First Baseman**
Joey Votto, the face of the franchise for over a decade and a future Hall of Famer, is one of the most beloved figures in Reds history. However, at 40 years old, Votto is nearing the end of his playing career, and the 2024 season has been a mixed bag for the Canadian slugger. While Votto still possesses an excellent eye at the plate and the ability to take walks (something that has been a trademark of his career), his overall production has seen a noticeable decline in recent seasons.
#### **Declining Batting Performance**
Votto’s numbers have been on the decline for several years now. In 2024, his batting average has hovered around the .220 mark, a far cry from his prime years when he was routinely hitting above .300. His power numbers have also dipped significantly, with fewer home runs and extra-base hits. While he remains patient at the plate and can still work counts, his ability to drive in runs and provide power has been inconsistent. Additionally, his strikeouts have risen, and he’s not hitting for average as he once did. His 2024 OPS (on-base plus slugging) has been underwhelming, leaving the Reds to wonder if they could get better production from a younger player.
#### **Impact on the Lineup**
Votto’s struggles with consistency at the plate have become more apparent as the Reds’ younger players, such as Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Spencer Steer, have emerged as core contributors. These players bring energy and production to the lineup, and many of them are more capable of anchoring the offense. In a rebuilding season, the Reds need to prioritize playing time for their young talent to continue their development, and this could increasingly lead to Votto being benched or relegated to a reduced role, especially if his struggles persist.
Votto’s veteran presence and leadership in the clubhouse remain valuable, and he has shown the ability to serve as a mentor for the Reds’ younger players. However, his time as an everyday player may be coming to an end, particularly if the Reds continue to fall out of postseason contention or if Votto’s performance continues to falter.
#### **Possible Bench Role or Reduced Role**
If Votto’s offensive struggles persist, the Reds might opt to give more playing time to other options at first base. Players like **Christian Encarnacion-Strand**, a power-hitting prospect, could take over more regularly at first base, with Votto shifting into a more occasional role as a pinch hitter or designated hitter. Another possibility is that the Reds look to trade Votto at the deadline, though that seems increasingly unlikely given his contract and declining production. Either way, if the Reds fall out of contention and Votto’s bat continues to struggle, he may find himself on the bench more often than he’s accustomed to in 2024.
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### 2. **Will Myers – The Struggling Veteran Outfielder**
Will Myers, signed to a multi-year deal prior to the 2023 season to provide veteran presence and pop to the lineup, has also been a disappointment in 2024. The former San Diego Padres All-Star was expected to be a middle-of-the-order bat, offering both power and versatility in the outfield and first base. However, his play has not lived up to expectations, and his spot in the lineup has been increasingly precarious.
#### **Struggles at the Plate**
In 2024, Myers has faced continued difficulties at the plate. While he has flashed occasional power, his overall offensive numbers have been underwhelming. With a batting average hovering around .230 and a striking out at an alarming rate, Myers’ offensive contributions have been far from what the Reds anticipated when they signed him. His inability to consistently get on base or hit for power has become a major issue for the Reds’ lineup.
Much like Votto, Myers’ age (he is 33 years old) and declining production have made it harder to justify his everyday role. Despite his experience, he’s simply not providing the kind of value the Reds need in a season where they are focused on building for the future. Given the team’s younger outfielders like **TJ Friedl**, **Nick Senzel**, and **Jake Fraley**, it’s hard to argue that Myers deserves a spot in the starting lineup if he continues to underperform.
#### **The Young Talent on the Horizon**
One of the key factors influencing the decision to bench Myers is the emerging talent of the Reds’ outfield prospects. Players like **Jose Barrero**, **Diante’ Griffin**, and **Steiner McNamara** are pushing for more opportunities, and the Reds need to give these younger players a chance to develop at the major league level. If Myers’ struggles continue, the Reds could prioritize these prospects and reduce Myers’ playing time in favor of more dynamic, future-oriented options.
Additionally, the Reds have a promising prospect in **Christian Encarnacion-Strand**, who could fill a corner outfield or first base role and take some of Myers’ at-bats. As the team assesses what it has in its young talent, veterans like Myers may find themselves on the outside looking in, particularly if they’re not contributing consistently.
#### **Potential Bench Role**
If the Reds continue to fall out of contention, manager David Bell may decide to bench Myers in favor of getting more looks at the younger players in the outfield. Myers could end up in a limited role as a backup outfielder or a platoon player, depending on matchups. In a season that is primarily about player development and future success, giving more at-bats to younger players could become a priority over a veteran like Myers, whose long-term future with the team is uncertain.
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### Conclusion
As the 2024 season unfolds, the Cincinnati Reds face the difficult task of balancing veteran leadership with the need to develop younger talent. For Joey Votto and Will Myers, both of whom have had illustrious careers, the reality is that their roles with the team could be in jeopardy if their struggles continue. Votto, with his declining power and batting average, may find himself shifting to a reduced role, while Myers, who has not lived up to expectations in 2024, could be benched in favor of younger, more dynamic outfielders.
For the Reds, it’s all about looking ahead to the future. As the team continues to transition from rebuilding to contender status, prioritizing the development of younger players will be critical. If Votto and Myers’ struggles persist, the Reds will likely move toward giving more playing time to their emerging stars, and the veterans may have to accept reduced roles or even be phased out of the lineup altogether as 2024 progresses.
