Christian Encarnacion-Strand

It’s silly to try to hand out hardware just 31 games into a season, but there are certainly trends — and players — to keep an eye on.

Who might win a race between Elly De La Cruz and Bubba Thompson? Which vets are Hunter Greene watching? Injury and minor-league updates.

Notes include how the Reds answered three key questions this spring, Santiago Espinal's talk with Joey Votto, spring superlatives and more.

John Laghezza reveals his bold predictions for 2024, including a Spencer Torkleson power surge, Ian Hamilton getting 30 saves and more

The Reds' roster took a big step forward when the team announced several moves that more or less firm up the team's position player group.

Despite a loss to the Blue Jays, the Reds' future looked incredibly bright — and perhaps even faster — when Marte entered the game.

Abbott's 7 2/3 innings was the longest start by any Reds pitcher this year and his 12 strikeouts were a career-high.

Last year's aggressive midseason moves for Tyler Mahle and Jorge López did not work out, and now the Twins are paying the price.

It's the halfway point of the minor league season, and the Reds are making promotions among the prospects not already helping the big club.

Plus updates on Jordan Balazovic and Austin Martin, the sad state of the AL Central, comping Michael Pineda and pitch clock downsides.

Also in the mailbag: Dissecting the organization's likely three-year plan.