As we gear up for the start of the 2026 MLB season, the Cincinnati Reds are making strategic moves with their bullpen. Manager Terry Francona has decided on a six-man rotation, which trims the relief squad from eight pitchers down to seven. This shift adds a layer of intrigue as the Reds finalize their Opening Day roster.
Locked in for the Reds are six key players: Emilio Pagán, Tony Santillan, Graham Ashcraft, Pierce Johnson, Brock Burke, and Connor Phillips. But the mystery remains-who will claim that elusive seventh spot?
Enter Roddery Muñoz, a name that could soon re-enter the Reds' bullpen conversation. After a stint with the Cardinals last season, Muñoz found himself on a winding path-claimed by the Reds, designated for assignment, and then moving to Triple-A Louisville.
The Astros picked him up during the minor-league phase of the Rule 5 Draft, but there’s a catch. If Houston decides to part ways with him before or during the season, they must offer him back to Cincinnati first.
Muñoz has been turning heads in spring training with the Astros. His performance has been electric-eight appearances, 8⅓ innings, 14 strikeouts, a 2.16 ERA, and an impressive 0.67 FIP.
With injuries hitting Houston's bullpen, Muñoz has a shot at making their Opening Day roster, but he's not alone in the race. Enyel De Los Santos, AJ Blubaugh, Kai-Wei Teng, and former Reds prospect Christian Roa are all in the mix.
Meanwhile, the Reds are evaluating their own options. Lefty Sam Moll and the hard-throwing prospect Zach Maxwell are in contention for the bullpen, though Kyle Nicolas is likely headed to Louisville to start the season.
Even if Muñoz lands with the Astros, the Reds aren’t done searching for bullpen depth. As teams finalize their rosters, Cincinnati will be on the lookout for another reliable arm to bolster their relief corps ahead of the 2026 campaign. Keep an eye on this evolving situation as the Reds aim to solidify their bullpen strategy.