As the 2026 Major League Baseball season approaches, teams are making crucial decisions to finalize their rosters. The Cincinnati Reds, like many other teams, are in the thick of these roster battles. While Reds fans are eagerly following their current squad, they're also keeping an eye on former players who might make a splash this season.
Santiago Espinal's Spring Surge with the Dodgers
Santiago Espinal, who left the Reds in the offseason, has been turning heads at the Los Angeles Dodgers' spring training. After securing a minor-league deal with an invitation to camp, Espinal has showcased impressive form.
His performance at Camelback Ranch has been nothing short of stellar, boasting a .478/.500/.826 slash line with two homers in his first 10 Cactus League games. With the Dodgers' infield facing early-season injuries, manager Dave Roberts seems poised to include Espinal on the Opening Day roster.
Former Reds Making Waves with the Angels
In Tempe, two ex-Reds are vying for spots on the Los Angeles Angels' roster. Jeimer Candelario, still on the Reds' payroll this season, has been hitting well, posting a .267/.353/.567 line with multiple extra-base hits. His performance suggests he could easily secure a spot given the Angels' current roster needs.
Hunter Strickland, another former Red, is also making a case for himself. The veteran reliever has pitched three scoreless innings this spring, allowing just two hits. With his experience as a closer and the uncertainty around Robert Stephenson, Strickland could find himself back in the majors come Opening Day.
Kyle Farmer's Resurgence with the Braves
Kyle Farmer, a fan favorite from his Cincinnati days, is looking to bounce back after a challenging year with the Colorado Rockies. Now with the Atlanta Braves, Farmer is hitting .429/.455/.619 through eight Grapefruit League games. The Braves' recent roster challenges, including Jurickson Profar's suspension and Ha-Seong Kim's injury, have opened a door for Farmer to potentially fulfill his dream of playing for his hometown team.
As these former Reds make their cases for Opening Day, fans will be watching closely to see if they can capitalize on these new opportunities and make significant contributions to their respective teams.