The Cincinnati Reds pitching staff in 2018 was maligned by injuries, inconsistency, and lack of experience at the big league level. The 2019 starting rotation looks vastly different after acquiring Tanner Roark from the Washington Nationals, Sonny Gray from the Bronx Bombers, and Alex Wood in the blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
While all these pitchers are viewed by most as nothing more than guys who fit in as No. 3 or No. 4 starters, there is no doubt the value of these players were seen by the front office.