Reds' Spring Training Outlook: Roster Depth, Payroll Strategy, and a Youth Movement Taking Shape
With pitchers and catchers set to report to Goodyear, Arizona on February 11, the Cincinnati Reds are gearing up for a pivotal Spring Training that could define the trajectory of their 2026 season. President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall has spent the offseason threading a tight needle-retooling the roster while keeping the payroll in check.
The club’s Opening Day payroll last season came in just under $112 million, placing them in the bottom third of the league. That number isn’t expected to change much this year, but the Reds are banking on internal development and smart acquisitions to keep them competitive.
What stands out as we look at the current depth chart is the sheer volume of young, versatile talent across the board. This isn’t a team built around a few superstars with big contracts-it’s a deep, flexible roster filled with players who can move around the diamond and contribute in multiple roles. That kind of roster construction gives manager David Bell options, especially with several players capable of playing multiple positions.
Catcher: A Three-Headed Setup
Behind the plate, the Reds have a trio in Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino, and Ben Rortvedt. Stephenson is the incumbent with the most offensive upside, but Trevino brings elite defensive chops and game-calling skills that could earn him regular innings, particularly with a young rotation. Rortvedt adds further depth and gives the Reds a left-handed bat at the position, which could be valuable in matchup situations.
Infield: Youth, Versatility, and a Glimpse of the Future
The infield is where things really start to get interesting. Spencer Steer is penciled in at first base but could see time in the outfield or even third, depending on how things shake out. Sal Stewart is another name to watch-he’s listed across multiple positions (1B, 2B, 3B, DH), signaling the Reds’ belief in his bat and positional flexibility.
Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz form a dynamic middle infield duo. McLain’s steady glove and improving bat pair well with De La Cruz’s electric tools and sky-high ceiling. If De La Cruz can cut down on strikeouts and harness his raw power, he could be one of the breakout stars of 2026.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, newly added at third base, brings Gold Glove-level defense and a contact-first approach at the plate. He’ll help stabilize the infield and could be a key veteran presence among a sea of young talent.
Outfield: Athleticism and Depth
The outfield is loaded with options, even if there’s no clear-cut superstar. JJ Bleday, Will Benson, and Steer are all in the mix for left field, while TJ Friedl and Dane Myers will compete for center. Friedl’s speed and defensive range make him a strong candidate to start, but Myers could push for playing time if his bat continues to develop.
In right field, Noelvi Marte is an intriguing option. Originally an infielder, Marte’s move to the outfield could be a way to get his bat in the lineup more consistently. Bleday and Benson could also see time in right, giving the Reds a rotating cast of athletic, left-handed hitters to mix and match based on matchups.
Designated Hitter: A Rotating Cast
The DH spot looks like it’ll be a revolving door, with Stewart, Bleday, Benson, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand all listed as potential options. That’s not a bad thing-it means the Reds have a deep bench and can keep bats fresh while maximizing matchups. Encarnacion-Strand, in particular, has the kind of power that could make him a fixture in the middle of the order if he puts it all together.
Starting Rotation: High Ceiling, Still Maturing
The rotation is headlined by Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo-two former top prospects who have shown flashes of brilliance but are still working toward consistency. Brady Singer, acquired in the offseason, adds a proven arm with AL experience, while Andrew Abbott, Chase Burns, and Rhett Lowder round out a group that’s long on potential.
Burns and Lowder are particularly intriguing. Both are recent first-round picks with electric stuff, and if either one forces their way into the rotation early, it could accelerate the Reds’ timeline. This is a group that may take some lumps, but the upside is undeniable.
Bullpen: Power Arms and Lefty Options
The bullpen is a mix of experience and upside. Emilio Pagan and Tony Santillan bring late-inning experience, while Graham Ashcraft and Connor Phillips could swing between starting and relief roles depending on how the rotation shakes out.
Zach Maxwell is a name to watch-he’s got the kind of fastball that can dominate in short bursts. On the left side, the Reds have options in Caleb Ferguson, Brock Burke, and Sam Moll, giving them the flexibility to match up late in games and manage innings for a young staff.
Final Thoughts
The Reds enter Spring Training with a roster that’s deep, young, and full of potential. They’re not breaking the bank, but they’re not standing still either. With versatile players, a rotation brimming with upside, and a bullpen that can miss bats, this is a team that could surprise-especially if a few of their young stars take the next step.
There’s still time before Opening Day, and more moves could be on the horizon. But as it stands, the Reds are positioned to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch this spring-not because they’ve loaded up on big-name talent, but because they’re betting on their own. And sometimes, that’s the most exciting kind of baseball.