GOODYEAR, Ariz. – In just over two weeks, on March 22, the Reds will break camp and could have their 26-man roster figured out – or at least be very close to it.
That makes now as good a time as any to check back in with an updated Opening Day roster projection. There have been some recent developments since camp opened on Feb. 9 that changes the original version.
Here is the second attempt at who will open the regular season with Cincinnati against the Red Sox on March 26.
Catcher (2): Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino
No change from the original prediction. The same duo that was behind the plate last season is back. Stephenson is the longest-tenured Red and Trevino is one of the veteran leaders.
Infielders (4): Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Sal Stewart
No change from the original prediction. This will be an important year for McLain, who struggled offensively after missing all of 2024 recovering from left shoulder surgery. So far, he's had a torrid spring at the plate and also looks like he could secure the No. 2 spot in the lineup.
A two-time All-Star, De La Cruz played all 162 games last season but was hampered by a left quadriceps strain during the second half. After hitting 18 homers in the first half, he hit only four after the All-Star break. Having lineup protection and good health could foreshadow a big season.
Hayes, who was acquired at the Trade Deadline, will provide strong defense after winning his second Gold Glove in 2025.
The organization's No. 1 prospect (No. 22 overall), Stewart will have a shot at building off of his September callup, when he slugged five home runs for the month to lead the club. But this could be a position that sees plenty of mixing and matching, and the 22-year-old can also play third base and second base.
Outfielders (6): TJ Friedl, Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte, JJ Bleday, Dane Myers, Will Benson
No changes here, either. Steer is the likely left fielder much of the time but will also serve as a utility player because he can play multiple infield positions, namely first base. Friedl will be the regular center fielder, while Marte will get to be a full-time right fielder after switching from third base midway last season.
As for the bench roles, Bleday and Benson are corner outfielders but also left-handed hitters that could provide a different look from the right-handed-heavy regular lineup. Myers is a true backup center fielder for Friedl, but he can play all three spots. Lefty slugger Nathaniel Lowe, a non-roster invitee, is pushing to make the club, and all three potential backup outfielders have Minor League options.
Designated hitter (1): Eugenio Suárez
Back with the club he spent seven seasons with from 2015-21, Suárez will be needed to provide big power and lineup protection for De La Cruz after he slugged 49 homers last season. He will also get time at first base and his normal position, third base, when it's needed.
Starting pitchers (5): LHP Andrew Abbott, LHP Nick Lodolo, RHP Brady Singer, RHP Rhett Lowder, RHP Chase Burns
The big change here is that Hunter Greene is being evaluated for right elbow stiffness. Regardless of the outcome of tests and a second opinion, it's looking unlikely Greene will be ready to begin the season on time. That leaves three pitchers battling for two spots among Lowder, Burns and Brandon Williamson.
Lowder (Cincinnati's No. 4 prospect, MLB Pipeline's No. 86 overall) is having a very strong spring after he missed almost all of last season with right elbow and left oblique injuries.
Relief pitchers (8): RHP Emilio Pagán (closer), RHP Tony Santillan, RHP Pierce Johnson, LHP Brock Burke, LHP Caleb Ferguson, RHP Graham Ashcraft, RHP Kyle Nicolas, RHP Tejay Antone
A couple of changes here to the final two spots. I originally had Burns in the bullpen, but he is now in my projected rotation. Nicolas was acquired from the Pirates in the Tyler Callihan trade and currently pitching for Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Antone is possibly a reach to select, but not because of his performance, which has been sharp. It's because he is a non-roster invitee, which makes his situation a roster numbers game. But if Antone shows he can stay healthy and get outs, he would have nothing to prove in the Minors. Alternative choices could be Connor Phillips, who has had mixed camp performances; lefty Sam Moll, who is having a nice spring; or Williamson, who would be stretched out as a starter and could offer long relief.
Manager Terry Francona has no qualms about carrying three or four lefties in his bullpen if it came to that.
“What I care about is having guys that get people out," Francona said. "We’ll see where it goes. I don’t know that yet.”