It’s no secret the Cincinnati Reds have not tried to win for several years. The team gave out mammoth contracts to Joey Votto and Homer Bailey years ago, and while Votto has proved to be worth the money, Bailey broke down almost immediately and the organization was never well-stocked beyond the major league level.
Once the core that took the Reds to 3 posteason appearances in 4 years between 2010 and 2013 got old and the pitching fell apart, Cincinnati was left with little choice but to tear everything down to the studs (and Votto).