As we eagerly await the arrival of spring training, a sobering reality begins to emerge regarding the Cincinnati Reds' roster for Opening Day 2026. In just a few short weeks, pitchers and catchers will make their way to Goodyear, Arizona, followed by the entire team joining them for their first full squad workout by mid-February.
There's a palpable mix of frustration and excitement among fans as the front office has yet to secure a significant power hitter this offseason. While some supporters express disappointment, the majority of Reds Country remains hopeful that the team can build upon the successes of last year, which notably included a return to the Major League Baseball postseason.
Cincinnati's general manager, Nick Krall, and other key decision-makers still have an opportunity to surprise fans with a notable trade or free-agent acquisition. However, if the team remains static as spring training approaches, what can we expect from the Reds' Opening Day lineup in 2026?
Projecting the Reds' Opening Day Lineup (9 Players)
- Tyler Stephenson (C)
- Spencer Steer (1B)
- Matt McLain (2B)
- Elly De La Cruz (SS)
- Ke'Bryan Hayes (3B)
- JJ Bleday (LF)
- TJ Friedl (CF)
- Noelvi Marte (RF)
- Sal Stewart (DH)
For the most part, we can be quite confident about the Reds' Opening Day starting lineup, particularly regarding the infield positions. It seems like a certainty that Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Ke'Bryan Hayes will all take the field when they face off against the Boston Red Sox on March 26.
While Steer may get some playing time in left field during the upcoming season, his Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base suggests that he will predominantly remain in the infield. JJ Bleday, added to the team this winter, is likely to start as the left fielder when facing right-handed pitchers. Meanwhile, TJ Friedl is expected to hold down the center field position, and Noelvi Marte will embark on his first full season as an outfielder in right field.
If Sal Stewart fulfills expectations within the organization, he will undoubtedly break camp with the major league team, sharing time at first base with Steer and at third base with Hayes, alongside his duties as a designated hitter. Although negotiations over Tyler Stephenson’s salary for the 2026 season remain unresolved, he is anticipated to serve as the team's primary catcher come Opening Day.
Reds Opening Day Bench (4 Players)
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa
- Will Benson
- Rece Hinds
- Jose Trevino
Following the trade of Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati finds itself in need of a capable middle infielder to back up McLain and De La Cruz. Currently, the leading internal candidate for this role appears to be Tyler Callihan.
However, the Reds might feel uneasy about relying on Callihan, who is making his comeback after suffering a significant injury last season and has only four games of Major League experience under his belt. There’s a strong possibility that the team will seek a veteran player through free agency or a trade, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa could fit the bill as someone with the kind of high-contact batting style that the coaching staff appreciates.
Will Benson brings versatility to the outfield, able to cover all three spots, making him a valuable asset for Cincinnati in 2026. The Reds also welcomed Dane Myers during the offseason, but given his lack of power, Rece Hinds may secure a spot on the Opening Day roster ahead of him. Veteran catcher Jose Trevino is expected to serve as the backup behind the plate in 2026.
Reds Opening Day Starting Rotation (5 Players)
- Hunter Greene
- Nick Lodolo
- Andrew Abbott
- Brady Singer
- Rhett Lowder
The composition of the Reds’ starting rotation hinges on one critical question: who will claim the fifth spot? Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Brady Singer (assuming he isn’t traded) will form four-fifths of the rotation as the season opens in 2026.
The last position is highly competitive, with Rhett Lowder appearing to have the edge. Many fans are looking forward to an intense battle for this spot between Lowder and Chase Burns, while Brandon Williamson should not be overlooked. Additionally, Jose Franco, Julian Aguiar, and Chase Petty will also get their chances, making this one of the most fiercely contested positions in Spring Training.
Reds Opening Day Bullpen (8 Players)
- Graham Ashcraft
- Tony Santillan
- Emilio Pagán
- Pierce Johnson
- Caleb Ferguson (L)
- Brock Burke (L)
- Connor Phillips
- Anthony Misiewicz (L)
This offseason, the Reds saw a considerable loss of innings from their bullpen, with Brent Suter, Nick Martinez, and Scott Barlow all entering free agency. This situation has created a pressing need for Cincinnati's front office to replenish the relief staff. Krall and his team have brought in Caleb Ferguson and Pierce Johnson, along with acquiring Brock Burke, thus transforming what was once seen as a potential weakness into a newfound strength.
Emilio Pagán will return in 2026, looking to continue his success as the Reds' closer from last season. Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft are both expected to resume their roles, while Connor Phillips has shown enough potential in 2025 to warrant a place on the Opening Day roster. At present, we’ll assign the final bullpen spot to Anthony Misiewicz, although Zach Maxwell, Luis Mey, and Tejay Antone are also in contention.
Have the Reds made enough moves this offseason to build upon the momentum generated from last season? Is the bullpen robust enough to endure the challenges of a grueling 162-game schedule? Will another infielder be necessary? And what about the apparent lack of power within the lineup? We will uncover the answers to these pressing questions in the weeks to come, as spring training often reveals hard truths before the excitement of Opening Day.
