Cincinnati Reds Open Camp Healthy, Deep, and Ready for 2026
The best kind of news on reporting day? No news at all.
That’s exactly what the Cincinnati Reds got as pitchers and catchers showed up in Goodyear, Arizona on Monday: no injuries, no absences, no drama. Just a clean slate heading into spring training - and in baseball, that’s a quiet win.
Physicals wrapped up Tuesday, and the first official workout for pitchers and catchers is set for Wednesday. Position players are due in Saturday, with the first full-squad workout on Monday.
Between now and Opening Day, there’s a long road - over six weeks of workouts, games, and decisions to be made. But starting from a place of full health?
That’s a luxury.
And with Eugenio Suárez back in the fold, the Reds’ outlook for 2026 already feels sharper. This is Version 2.0 of Cincinnati’s roster - and it’s noticeably more complete than the earlier iteration.
A Look Behind the Plate
Catchers (2): Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino
Also in the organization: Will Banfield, Michael Trautwein
The Reds are in a good spot at catcher. Tyler Stephenson continues to grow behind the plate, and Jose Trevino brings stability in his second year with the club.
Trevino was a steady presence last season, especially early on when Stephenson was sidelined with injury. Both catchers ended up logging starter-level stretches, and while Stephenson will likely get the bulk of the innings, Trevino will see more action than your typical backup.
Stephenson is entering his walk year, while Trevino is already locked in with an extension signed before last season. Waiting in the wings is Alfredo Duno, one of the organization’s top prospects.
He’s still a ways off - he hasn’t played above Class A - but he’s on the radar. For now, Will Banfield and Michael Trautwein will handle duties at Triple-A Louisville, working with a veteran pitching staff.
Infield Depth and Versatility
Also in the organization: Edwin Arroyo, Tyler Callihan, Michael Chavis, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Garrett Hampson
Players in italics are on the 40-man roster.
It’s a little odd not to list Spencer Steer among the infielders, especially considering he was a Gold Glove finalist at first base. But his versatility is the key here - Steer is expected to serve as a super-utility option, backing up first, second, and third base. That flexibility opens the door for rookie Sal Stewart to get meaningful at-bats, particularly at first base.
Suárez will also get some reps at first, but the plan is for him to spend most of his time as the designated hitter. Stewart, meanwhile, had minimal experience at first in the minors but saw most of his big-league time there. A full spring focused on the position should help smooth the transition.
Up the middle, Matt McLain can slide over to shortstop when Elly De La Cruz gets a breather, with Steer plugging in at second. Stewart has also logged time at second and third, so there’s no shortage of options. If De La Cruz misses extended time, Edwin Arroyo is the next man up.
Outfield Mix: Lefty Bats and Defensive Tools
Outfielders (6): Will Benson, JJ Bleday, TJ Friedl, Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer, Dane Myers
Also in the organization: Blake Dunn, Rece Hinds, Héctor Rodríguez, Michael Toglia
Again, Steer’s name pops up - he’ll be in the outfield mix as well, making it more like five true outfielders, with Dane Myers offering defensive depth. The Reds will be watching closely to see how their left-handed options shake out, especially with Will Benson and JJ Bleday in the mix. With a righty-heavy lineup, manager Terry Francona will want lefty bats available off the bench.
TJ Friedl is penciled in as the everyday center fielder, but Noelvi Marte will get some reps there this spring, too. Marte didn’t start playing outfield until mid-2025, but he made a major impact - including a season-saving home run robbery that earned him bobblehead status in Cincinnati lore.
Héctor Rodríguez is back in big-league camp for a second straight year, and this time, he’s on the 40-man roster. He’s got a legitimate shot at making his debut in 2026 and could be the left-handed outfield bat the Reds are looking for.
Rece Hinds and Blake Dunn struggled in their MLB stints last year but finished strong at Triple-A. Michael Toglia, a non-roster invitee, brings power from both first base and the corner outfield. Two years ago, he mashed 25 homers for the Rockies and could be a dark horse to watch.
Rotation: Four Locks, One Spot Up for Grabs
Starters (5): Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, Andrew Abbott, Rhett Lowder
Also in the organization: Julian Aguiar, Chase Burns, Jose Franco, Chase Petty, Brandon Williamson
The top four in the rotation are set: Greene, Lodolo, Singer, and Abbott. That fifth spot?
It’s open - and there’s a healthy competition brewing. Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Brandon Williamson are all viable candidates, and each brings something different to the table.
Lowder has the most polished résumé at the big-league level, and if all things are equal, Burns might benefit from a little more time in Triple-A. Burns ended last season in the bullpen, more as a way to manage his innings than a permanent role shift. Long-term, the Reds still see him as a starter - and a potential ace.
The depth here is real. With six starters on the 40-man roster beyond the top four, Cincinnati has options - and flexibility - heading into the season.
Bullpen: Veteran Additions and Power Arms
Relievers (8): Emilio Pagán (closer), Tony Santillan, Graham Ashcraft, Brock Burke (L), Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguson (L), Connor Phillips, Zach Maxwell
Also in the organization: Tejay Antone, Hagen Danner, Yunior Marte, Luis Mey, Anthony Misiewicz, Sam Moll, Lyon Richardson, Josh Staumont
The bullpen is shaping up to be one of the Reds’ strengths - and that’s not something we’ve always been able to say in recent years.
Emilio Pagán is back after a 31-save season that put him second in the National League. Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft return as high-leverage options, and the front office added depth with lefties Brock Burke (via trade) and Caleb Ferguson (free agency), plus veteran righty Pierce Johnson.
That leaves two bullpen spots up for grabs, and Connor Phillips and Zach Maxwell are the front-runners after strong 2025 showings. Luis Mey and Sam Moll are also in the mix. Unlike Phillips, Maxwell, and Mey, Moll is out of minor league options, which could factor into the decision-making.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to like about where the Reds stand as spring training begins. A healthy roster, improved depth, and a few key additions - most notably Suárez - have this team looking more complete than it has in years.
Of course, spring is long, and things can change quickly. But for now, the Reds aren’t playing catch-up. They’re starting from a position of strength - and that’s a great place to be.