Get ready, Reds fans! Spring Training is just around the corner, and the excitement is building! With pitchers and catchers set to report on February 11th, and full squad workouts starting shortly after in Goodyear, Arizona, it's time to take a peek at how the Cincinnati Reds roster is shaping up.
President of Baseball Operations, Nick Krall, has been hard at work, aiming to keep the 2026 payroll similar to the 2025 season. Remember, last year's Opening Day payroll for the 26-player roster was just under $112 million, placing them in the lower third of Major League Baseball.
Let's dive into the current depth chart, keeping in mind that this is a snapshot, and things can change!
- Catchers: Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino, and Ben Rortvedt will be vying for playing time behind the plate.
- First Base: Spencer Steer and Sal Stewart are the primary contenders at first base.
- Second Base: Matt McLain and Sal Stewart are listed at second base.
- Shortstop: Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain will be battling for the shortstop position.
- Third Base: Ke'Bryan Hayes and Sal Stewart are listed at third base.
- Left Field: JJ Bleday, Spencer Steer, and Will Benson will be competing for the left field spot.
- Center Field: TJ Friedl and Dane Myers are currently listed as center fielders.
- Right Field: Noelvi Marte, JJ Bleday, and Will Benson will be vying for the right field position.
- Designated Hitter: Sal Stewart, JJ Bleday, Will Benson, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand are all listed as potential designated hitters.
- Starting Pitchers: The rotation includes RHP Hunter Greene, LHP Nick Lodolo, RHP Brady Singer, LHP Andrew Abbott, RHP Chase Burns, and RHP Rhett Lowder.
- Relief Pitchers: The bullpen features RHP Emilio Pagan, RHP Tony Santillan, RHP Graham Ashcraft, RHP Connor Phillips, RHP Zach Maxwell, RHP Pierce Johnson, LHP Caleb Ferguson, LHP Brock Burke, and LHP Sam Moll.
This is a developing situation, and the final roster could look quite different by Opening Day. What do you think of the current roster? Are there any positions you think need more attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
