Cincinnati Reds: Top three candidates to bat leadoff in 2020

The Cincinnati Reds take the field in Cactus League play today. Which player is most likely to bat leadoff on Opening Day?

Baseball is back, baby! The Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians do battle today in the desert, as Cactus League play begins. According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, Joey Votto, Nick Castellanos, Tucker Barnhart and Mike Moustakas are all set to suit up for the Reds. None of those players stick out as a leadoff hitter. Who’s likely to draw that assignment for the Reds in 2020?

The No. 1 spot in the Cincinnati Reds batting order was a bit of a revolving door last season. Fans saw Votto, Jesse Winker, Scott Schebler, Nick Senzel and even Curt Casali draw a start hitting in the leadoff spot. With the additions of Castellanos and Moustakas, the leadoff hitter may be a bit more consistent this coming season.

The job of the leadoff hitter is to get on base. One would think that’s the perfect job for Joey Votto. Think again. The six-time All-Star tried his hand at leadoff duties last season and the results were not good. In 15 starts batting first in the Reds lineup, Votto slashed .161/.288/.286. The Reds first baseman quickly returned to the No. 2 spot in the lineup, where he likely to settle this season.

So, with Votto likely to be slotted behind the leadoff hitter, and the power bat trio of Castellanos, Moustakas and Eugenio Suárez to follow, who’s going to occupy the No. 1 spot in the Cincinnati Reds lineup when the St. Louis Cardinals come to town on March 26th? Let’s look at three options the Reds have on their current roster.