GOODYEAR, Ariz. – There have been only a few games for the Reds in Cactus League action at Spring Training. That means there is plenty of time left for established players to get ready for the season and for those competing for jobs to keep pushing to make the team.
Although it’s been a relatively quiet camp thus far for Cincinnati, there have been some developments that have altered my predictions for the 26-man Opening Day roster.
Here is the latest version of what I believe the team could look like when it takes the field on March 30 vs. the Pirates.
First base (1): Wil Myers
Mainstay Joey Votto was originally here, but more than two weeks into camp, there remains no timetable for when the 39-year-old will get into games as he works his way back from August left shoulder surgery. Bell noted that if Votto isn’t ready for the season, Myers will get some time at first base, but still will play mostly in right field.
Second base (1): Jonathan India
India has looked good in camp, which is a positive sign after he was limited to 103 games in 2022. In the first game, he stole third base and scored on a sacrifice fly. Both times, he slid headfirst into the bag.
Shortstop (1): Kevin Newman
I had Newman winning the job, despite it being Jose Barrero’s to lose coming into spring. That’s still the case for this updated prediction as Barrero’s hitting struggles have continued early on. He still has a Minor League option left to keep working, and Newman — a veteran acquired from the Pirates in the offseason — can do enough offensively and defensively to take the spot.
Third base (1): Spencer Steer
A September callup last season, Steer admitted to trying to do too much during his first month in the big leagues. With that out of the way, the path is wide open here for him to earn a starting spot. Non-roster invitee Jason Vosler is likely the chief competition.
Outfielders (4): Jake Fraley, TJ Friedl, Will Benson, Chad Pinder
Myers remains part of this group as well, despite being listed at first base for Opening Day. The missing name here is Nick Senzel, who like Votto, came to camp behind the rest after a prolonged recovery from a broken left big toe and surgery. Bell doesn’t expect to see Senzel play in a spring game until mid-March.
Pinder is a utility player who can play everywhere, but has most of his recent experience with Oakland as a corner outfielder. The new name here is Benson, who has the power tools, strong defensive skills and the ability to play…
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