With pitchers and catchers set to report to Goodyear, Arizona in just a couple of weeks, there’s already plenty of buzz surrounding the Cincinnati Reds’ spring training. But the real intrigue kicks in five days later-on Valentine’s Day-when the position players arrive. That’s when we’ll get a clearer picture of what this 2026 Reds roster might look like.
President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall has hinted that the team isn’t quite done building. He expects to bring in at least one more position player before the full squad reports.
Could that mean a reunion with playoff contributors like outfielder Austin Hays or designated hitter Miguel Andujar? Maybe even a familiar face like Eugenio Suárez?
All three remain unsigned, and while they’re on the radar, they’re not currently on the roster. For now, let’s take a closer look at how the Reds are shaping up as camp approaches.
Projected Lineup vs. Left-Handed Pitching
Catchers (2): Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino
Also in camp: Ben Rortvedt, Will Banfield
(Italics indicate players on the 40-man roster)
The Reds are bringing back their catching duo from last season, with Stephenson heading into a contract year. He’ll be looking to put together a strong campaign before hitting free agency.
Trevino offers a reliable glove and veteran presence behind the plate. Rortvedt, added earlier this offseason, is out of minor-league options, which means he’ll be in the mix to stick with the big club.
Banfield adds depth to the spring competition.
Infielders (6): Tyler Callihan, Elly De La Cruz, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Matt McLain, Sal Stewart, Spencer Steer
Sal Stewart is one to watch. He made a strong impression late last season and showed up to Redsfest looking leaner and more agile.
Manager Terry Francona has made it clear-he doesn’t want Stewart pigeonholed as just a designated hitter. The challenge?
The two spots he’s played in the majors-third base and first base-are already occupied by Gold Glove winner Ke’Bryan Hayes and finalist Spencer Steer. That could open the door for Stewart to get some reps at second base this spring.
Regardless of where he plays, the Reds want his bat in the lineup.
Callihan and Steer offer key versatility, with the ability to slide between infield and outfield roles. That kind of flexibility could prove crucial over a long season.
Also in camp: Edwin Arroyo, Leo Balcazar, Michael Chavis, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Garrett Hampson, Michael Toglia
Toglia brings some intriguing upside. A switch-hitter with 25 home runs in 2024, he offers power from both sides of the plate and can play both first base and the outfield. He’s a dark horse to make the roster as a power bat off the bench.
Outfielders (5): JJ Bleday, Will Benson, Rece Hinds, Stuart Fairchild, Jake Myers
The Reds signed Bleday to a one-year deal this offseason, hoping he can recapture the form he flashed in 2024 when he hit 20 home runs and posted a .762 OPS. Both Bleday and Benson hit from the left side and have experience across all three outfield spots, though they’re best suited for left field. Each has a minor-league option remaining, so roster flexibility is in play.
Jake Myers adds depth as a right-handed bat and a true center fielder-something the Reds have been looking to solidify off the bench.
And don’t sleep on Rece Hinds. The Reds are high on his bat, and if he keeps hitting this spring, he could force his way into the Opening Day picture.
Starting Rotation (5): Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, Frankie Montas, Rhett Lowder
Also in camp: Julian Aguiar, Chase Burns, Jose Franco, Chase Petty, Carson Spiers, Brandon Williamson
The top four rotation spots are locked in-assuming health-with Greene, Lodolo, Ashcraft, and Montas leading the way. The fifth spot is still up for grabs, with Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns looking like the top contenders. It’s a coin flip right now, but both are expected to contribute at some point this season.
Triple-A Louisville should feature a loaded rotation, with four of the five projected starters carrying MLB experience. Jose Franco is the lone exception, but he’s in the mix as well. Carson Spiers will be in camp, though he’s currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
Bullpen (8): Graham Ashcraft, Brock Burke, Caleb Ferguson, Pierce Johnson, Zach Maxwell, Emilio Pagán, Connor Phillips, Tony Santillan
Also in camp: Tejay Antone, Hagen Danner, Luis Mey, Sam Moll, Lyon Richardson, Joel Valdez
Pagán returns after a breakout 2025 season that saw him step into the closer’s role and rack up 32 saves-second most in the National League. He’ll likely get the first crack at ninth-inning duties again.
The bullpen could feature three lefties this year, with Ferguson and Burke already in place and Sam Moll pushing for a spot. Moll is out of options, so he’ll be battling to prove he belongs on the Opening Day roster.
Zach Maxwell and Connor Phillips bring big arms to the mix, and Tony Santillan remains a solid middle-inning option. Tejay Antone, who’s been working his way back from injury, could be a wild card if he’s healthy.
Final Thoughts
This Reds team is shaping up to be a fascinating blend of returning talent and young players on the rise. There’s still room for a late addition or two, and with a playoff appearance in the rearview mirror, Cincinnati isn’t just looking to run it back-they’re aiming to take the next step.
Whether it’s a familiar face returning or a new name emerging in camp, the pieces are in place for another run at October. Keep an eye on Goodyear-things are about to get interesting.