This article highlights several Major League Baseball players who underperformed relative to their draft expectations in the 2023 season, impacting fantasy baseball teams significantly.

Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena, both from the Seattle Mariners, struggled despite high draft positions, while Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt from the Toronto Blue Jays faced injuries and performance issues. Other notable mentions include Paul Goldschmidt, Gleyber Torres, Alexis Diaz, and Spencer Torkelson, each demonstrating disappointing results that left fantasy managers frustrated.

The Cincinnati Reds finished the 2023 season with a record of 77-85, landing them in fourth place in the NL Central. Despite high expectations, the team struggled offensively, with standout performances from Elly De La Cruz and Tyler Stephenson being overshadowed by injuries to key players.

De La Cruz emerged as a star, leading the league in steals and showcasing impressive power. On the mound, Hunter Greene excelled, though injuries raised concerns about his future. The Reds will need to prioritize health and depth as they look to bounce back in 2025.

The 2024 MLB season has brought unexpected twists for every team, showcasing both pleasant surprises and disappointing performances.

For instance, the Arizona Diamondbacks' hefty investment in starting pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez and Jordan Montgomery has backfired, while the Atlanta Braves' once-dominant offense has fallen to league-average due to injuries and poor performance.

On a brighter note, Baltimore Orioles' Anthony Santander has emerged as a standout with a remarkable 44-home run season, while the Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran has surprisingly outperformed even Juan Soto.

The Chicago Cubs have transformed their bullpen from one of the worst into a top-performing unit under manager Craig Counsell, while the Chicago White Sox have found some solace in Garrett Crochet's solid pitching.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds have struggled with injuries, impacting Alexis Díaz's performance, while the Cleveland Guardians boast one of the best bullpens in history, led by Emmanuel Clase.

As the season progresses, teams like the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals have seen their pitching staff thrive unexpectedly, while the Los Angeles Angels face challenges with Mike Trout's durability.

Overall, the 2024 season has been a rollercoaster ride, with teams navigating through both triumphs and tribulations.

The regular season concludes with a recap of the top closers and projections heading into 2025. Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians and Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals share the top spot with 47 saves each. Their solid performance highlights their consistency over the years.

Also notable are Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers and Kirby Yates of the Texas Rangers, both showcasing their skills as elite closers this season. The guide provides insights on overperforming players and those to watch as contenders in coming drafts.

The 2024 Cincinnati Reds faced a disappointing season, concluding fourth in the NL Central and eliminated from postseason contention. Elly De La Cruz shone brightly, capturing the stolen base title and demonstrating exciting potential. Hunter Greene's development as a promising ace was another highlight.

However, injuries and underperformance plagued several key players, including Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, while veteran outfielders struggled to meet expectations. The bullpen had its challenges, notably with Alexis Díaz's decline.

Looking ahead, the Reds have a solid infield structure and promising pitching prospects, indicating potential for improvement in 2025. With the right acquisitions and player development, Cincinnati aims to finally return to postseason action after a long absence.