Opening Day 2019 left such a resounding, wonderful image of what the Cincinnati Reds could finally, finally be. Jose Peraza, fresh off what was hopefully a breakout 2018 season, socked a dinger off Pittsburgh ace Jameson Taillon. Luis Castillo had already spun a gem from the mound, and recent minor-league free agent signing Jose Iglesias popped an RBI double to add to the fun.
Then Derek Dietrich stepped to the plate, himself also an under-the-radar signing from what increasingly looked like a savvy set of front office moves by the Reds.