**Presenting the Team Honors for the Cincinnati Reds: Celebrating Outstanding Achievements in 2024 november 14
As the 2024 MLB season draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable contributions from the Cincinnati Reds players, coaches, and staff who helped propel the team to an exciting year of growth, development, and competitive baseball. While the Reds may not have made it to the postseason, their remarkable journey throughout the year has given fans hope for a bright future, as the team continues to build around a core of young talent and seasoned leaders. From breakout performances to leadership on and off the field, the Reds have much to celebrate in terms of individual achievements. Today, we present the team honors for the Cincinnati Reds in recognition of their standout performances and contributions during the 2023 season.
### **Most Valuable Player (MVP): Elly De La Cruz**
When you talk about the 2024 Cincinnati Reds, the name **Elly De La Cruz** is one that comes up time and time again. The 21-year-old shortstop burst onto the scene this year, showcasing a rare combination of raw power, speed, and defensive prowess that made him one of the most exciting young players in all of baseball. De La Cruz’s electrifying debut season catapulted him into the spotlight, as he quickly became the face of the franchise.
De La Cruz finished the year with 28 home runs, 42 stolen bases, and an OPS of .843, ranking as one of the top young players in the game. His speed alone was a game-changer—combining a 100-mph exit velocity with elite sprinting speed to challenge defenses in ways few can. His 42 steals not only led the Reds but also ranked among the top in the National League. His bat power, plate discipline, and dynamic baserunning were key to energizing the team throughout the season.
Defensively, De La Cruz showed his range at shortstop, impressing with his arm strength, ability to turn double plays, and raw athleticism. His leadership on the field and ability to spark his team in clutch moments earned him the Reds’ Most Valuable Player honor in what was a memorable rookie season. For Reds fans, De La Cruz is more than just a player—he’s the cornerstone of their hopes for years to come.
### **Pitcher of the Year: Hunter Greene**
While the Reds’ pitching staff showed signs of growing pains in 2024, **Hunter Greene** proved to be the team’s most dominant arm and a true ace in the making. The 24-year-old right-hander showed flashes of brilliance this season, and his performance earned him the title of Pitcher of the Year.
Greene’s fastball consistently clocked in the high 90s and topped out at over 100 mph, making him one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the league. His strikeout numbers were elite, finishing the season with a strikeout rate of over 10 K/9 innings. Though Greene experienced some inconsistency with his command at times, his strikeout stuff and electric fastball kept opposing batters on edge all season. He posted a solid 3.60 ERA and, more importantly, was a workhorse for the Reds, logging over 180 innings.
Beyond his on-the-field performance, Greene’s leadership and mentality as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher have had a lasting impact on the Reds’ pitching staff. As the team looks to compete in the future, Greene will undoubtedly play a central role in leading their rotation. His development into a legitimate ace gives Reds fans plenty of optimism moving forward.
### **Rookie of the Year: Matt McLain**
**Matt McLain** emerged as one of the most exciting rookies of the season, taking over the shortstop duties alongside De La Cruz and forming one of the most dynamic young middle infield duos in the league. McLain, who debuted earlier in the year, immediately made an impact with his bat and his glove.
McLain’s offense was particularly impressive, with the rookie posting a .815 OPS and finishing with 24 home runs and 18 stolen bases in his first full season. He provided excellent balance in the Reds’ lineup, showing the ability to hit for both power and average, and his ability to make adjustments throughout the year made him a key contributor to the offense. He also displayed excellent plate discipline, which was unusual for a rookie, walking nearly as much as he struck out, a critical skill for a player in the early stages of their career.
Defensively, McLain was a steadying presence at shortstop, playing with poise and consistency that belied his years. His ability to make difficult plays look routine earned him respect from both his teammates and the coaching staff. For a team looking to build its future around talented youth, McLain’s debut season was a clear highlight and a sign of things to come.
### **Unsung Hero: Tyler Stephenson**
While names like De La Cruz and Greene were undoubtedly in the spotlight, **Tyler Stephenson** quietly had a strong, consistent year behind the plate for the Reds. The catcher has long been seen as one of the most talented young backstops in the league, and 2023 was no different. While the Reds dealt with their fair share of injuries and offensive struggles at times, Stephenson remained a steadying force in the lineup and provided leadership on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, Stephenson continued to be a reliable bat, finishing the season with a .278 batting average, 15 home runs, and an OPS of .790. He was particularly strong with runners in scoring position, often coming through with clutch hits that kept the Reds in games. But perhaps his most important contribution was as a leader behind the plate, working with a young and evolving pitching staff. Stephenson’s ability to call games, frame pitches, and guide the team’s pitchers through tough situations is something that often goes unnoticed by casual fans but is crucial to the team’s success.
Stephenson’s role as an unsung hero became even more pronounced when the Reds faced adversity, with injuries impacting various parts of the roster. His ability to stay healthy and remain consistent was a cornerstone of the team’s overall success, earning him a well-deserved “Unsung Hero” award.
### **Comeback Player of the Year: Joey Votto**
The title of **Comeback Player of the Year** for the Reds goes to none other than **Joey Votto**, the veteran first baseman who showed the resilience and determination that has defined his career. After a series of injuries that had kept him on the sidelines for much of the previous season, Votto returned to form in 2024 with a solid offensive campaign that reminded fans why he’s one of the best to ever wear a Reds uniform.
Votto’s 2023 season was a testament to his skill and work ethic. He finished the year with 22 home runs, 72 RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .380, a figure that ranked among the best in the league. Despite being 40 years old, Votto showed he still had the ability to impact games with his bat, his leadership in the clubhouse, and his defensive contributions at first base. His return to form not only provided a much-needed veteran presence but also helped mentor the younger players on the team. His ability to produce in key moments—especially in clutch situations—was one of the reasons the Reds stayed competitive late into the season.
Votto’s comeback season also had an emotional aspect, as he embraced his role as one of the elder statesmen of the team, passing on his knowledge and experience to the Reds’ promising young talent. His leadership and love for the game were evident every time he stepped onto the field.
### **Conclusion**
As the Cincinnati Reds continue to build toward future success, the 2023 season will be remembered as a year of growth, development, and promise. The team’s standout performers—from Elly De La Cruz’s electric debut to Hunter Greene’s ace-level pitching—have set the stage for a bright future. Whether it was the leadership of Joey Votto, the steady play of Tyler Stephenson, or the impressive rookie campaigns of Matt McLain and De La Cruz, the Reds have shown that they have a strong foundation in place.
The team honors for the 2024 season highlight the players who made a lasting impact both on and off the field, helping to shape the team’s trajectory as they look to contend for a postseason spot in the years to come. With this level of talent and leadership, the future is undoubtedly bright for the Cincinnati Reds.
