Cincinnati Reds pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Goodyear, Ariz., two weeks from Monday, but what is most interesting happens five days later on Valentine’s Day, when the team’s position players report.
Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall has said he expects to add another position player before Feb. 14, but who might that be? The Reds so far are mostly running back the team that made the playoffs last year and could double down on that strategy by reuniting with outfielder Austin Hays or designated hitter Miguel Andujar, both of whom were on the club’s playoff roster. The Reds could also bring in a different familiar face, Eugenio Suárez, to bolster the lineup.
None of those three is on the roster at this point, so though they are options, as we look toward the start of camp, here’s a look at where the Reds roster stands as we get closer and closer to spring training.
Projected lineup vs. right-handed pitchers
Projected lineup vs. left-handed pitchers
Catchers (2): Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino
Also in camp: Ben Rortvedt, Will Banfield
Players in italics are on the 40-man roster
The Reds return their catching tandem from last season, with Stephenson entering his final season ahead of free agency. Rortvedt was added earlier this offseason, but is out of minor-league options.
Infielders (6): Tyler Callihan, Elly De La Cruz, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Matt McLain, Sal Stewart, Spencer Steer.
Stewart has to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, but he’s already made a great first impression, both from his late-season call-up and at Redsfest, where he showed up noticeably slimmer than he was at the end of last season. Reds manager Terry Francona said he didn’t want Stewart to be just a designated hitter, but the two spots he’s played in the big leagues — third base and first base — have a Gold Glover in Hayes and Gold Glove finalist in Steer. In addition to the other two spots, Stewart could see some time at second base in spring training. The most important part is that Stewart brings his bat.
Callihan and Steer offer positional versatility, being able to play in the infield and the outfield.
Also in camp: Edwin Arroyo, Leo Balcazar, Michael Chavis, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Garrett Hampson, Michael Toglia
Toglia is a switch hitter with power, hitting 25 home runs in 2024. He plays first base and outfield and could have a chance to make the team as a power bat.
Outfielders (5): Will Benson, TJ Friedl, Noelvi Marte, JJ Bleday, Dane Myers
The Reds signed Bleday to a one-year deal this offseason, but he and Will Benson are left-handed-hitting outfielders who have experience in all three spots, though they are likely best suited to play left field. The Reds are hoping Bleday will return to his 2024 form that saw him hit 20 homers and put up a .762 OPS. Bleday and Benson have an option remaining.
Myers, a right-handed hitter, adds depth as a true centerfielder off the bench.
Also in camp: Blake Dunn, Rece Hinds, Héctor Rodríguez
The Reds feel very good about Rodríguez’s ability to hit at the big-league level, and he could force his way onto the Opening Day lineup.
Also in camp: RHP Julian Aguiar, RHP Chase Burns, RHP Jose Franco, RHP Chase Petty, RHP Carson Spiers, LHP Brandon Williamson
The top four of the Reds rotation is set (assuming all are healthy), with plenty of options battling for the fifth spot. This projection has a coin flip for Lowder over Burns, but both should play a role on the 2026 team. Regardless of who wins the fifth starter spot, Triple-A Louisville should have a strong rotation with four of the five carrying big-league experience (all but Jose Franco), and all with options. Carson Spiers will be in camp, but he’s rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
Bullpen (8): RHP Graham Ashcraft, LHP Brock Burke, LHP Caleb Ferguson, RHP Pierce Johnson, RHP Zach Maxwell, RHP Emilio Pagán, RHP Connor Phillips, RHP Tony Santillan
Also in camp: RHP Tejay Antone, RHP Hagen Danner, RHP Luis Mey, LHP Sam Moll, RHP Lyon Richardson, LHP Joel Valdez
Pagán is back after stepping into the closer’s role last year and finishing with 32 saves, the second most in the National League. The Reds could also have three lefties in their bullpen, adding Moll to go along with Ferguson and Burke. Moll is out of options.