Following a second consecutive second-place finish in the National League during the 1923 season, the Reds had a quiet off-season, making only one notable transaction.
Mays, the former ace of the Yankees, was coming off a poor season in 1923, earning a 5–2 record with a 6.20 ERA in 81.1 innings pitched, making only seven starts out of his 23 appearances.
In September, the Reds would move into fourth place, and would finish the season with a record of 83–70, 10.5 games behind the pennant winning New York Giants.
Rookie second baseman Hughie Critz had a very solid season, batting .322 with three home runs and 35 RBI in 102 games.
Outfielder Curt Walker batted .300 with four home runs and 46 RBI following his mid-season trade from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Rube Bressler, who split time between the outfield and first base, batted .347 with four home runs and 45 RBI in 115 games.