I assume yesterday’s signing completes the Reds’ offseason spending except for possibly more relievers on minor-league deals with an invite to spring training.
Here’s where the roster stands. My projected lineup:
2B Jonathan India
LF Jake Fraley
DH Tyler Stephenson
RF Wil Myers
1B Joey Votto
3B Spencer Steer
SS Jose Barrero
CF Nick Senzel
C Curt Casali
Bench:
OF TJ Friedl
C Luke Maile
INF Kevin Newman
INF Nick Solak
Starting rotation:
Hunter Greene
Nick Lodolo
Graham Ashcraft
Justin Dunn
Luke Weaver/Luis Cessa
Bullpen:
Alexis Diaz
Reiver Sanmartin
Tejay Antone
Lucas Sims
Tony Santillan
Buck Farmer
Luke Weaver/Luis Cessa
Ian Gibaut
Louisville depth:
SP Connor Overton
RP Joel Kuhnel
RP Fernando Cruz
RP Tayron Guerrero
RP Silvino Bracho
OF Michael Siani
OF Stuart Fairchild
Prospects who could arrive in 2023:
INF Matt McLain
INF Elly De La Cruz
SP Brandon Williamson
SP Levi Stoudt
1B/DH Christian Encarnacion-Strand
Position battles:
Center field: Nick Senzel figures to get one last chance, with TJ Friedl pushing him. This could be a landing spot for McLain or De La Cruz this summer if both incumbents underwhelm.
Fourth and fifth starters: Justin Dunn figures to have a leg up for a rotation spot, but the last spot is up for grabs between Overton, Cessa and Weaver. It wouldn’t be surprising for Williamson to improve and force his way into the big leagues at some point this season.
Last two bullpen spots: I figure six spots are taken if guys are healthy: Diaz, Sanmartin, Sims, Antone, Santillan and Farmer. The last two are totally up for grabs, although it would make sense for one of the two to go to a long reliever who doesn’t win a rotation spot, which I figure would be Cessa or Weaver. I’ll give Ian Gibaut a nod just based on him being on the team last year.
Shortstop: I don’t think it should be much of a battle, but we’ll see how patient the Reds are with Jose Barrero before inserting Newman and/or pulling the trigger on McLain or De La Cruz.
It’s true, it’s true. Trust me …