The Reds won the National League West under their first-year manager John McNamara, with a record of 90–71, 1½ games better than the Houston Astros.
Wagner replaced long-time GM Bob Howsam, who retired after running the Reds for 12 years.
Through some good drafts and several key trades, Howsam built a team that won six division titles, and played in four World Series, winning two, during the 1970s.
However, the Reds lost the NLCS to the eventual World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates in three straight games.
Infielders Other batters Coaches Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg.