Cincinnati Reds: Predicting an expanded 30-man Opening Day roster

While we don’t yet know when the MLB season will begin, an expanded roster is inevitable. What might a 30-man Cincinnati Reds roster look like?

No one knows when the 2020 Major League Baseball season will start. However, when it does there’s no doubt that the rosters will have to be expanded. The idea of multiple doubleheaders in a week and a season that may extend into the Thanksgiving holiday will surely require more than 26 players. So, what might the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster look like with 30 spots available?

Now, 30 is a guess. But, it’s an educated guess. If multiple doubleheaders per week are on the horizon, a sixth starter is going to be a must. Pitchers typically pitch every fifth day, even though Reds starter Trevor Bauer would prefer every fourth. So, an extra starter on every roster will take the total from 26 to 27.

Go ahead and make some room for an extra reliever or two. Despite the new rule requiring hurlers to pitch to at least three batters, teams will need some added reinforcements in the bullpen. One is good, but two is better, so let’s assume that Major League Baseball moves the cap from 13 to 16 pitchers per ball club.

Then we look at position players. The wear and tear of multiple games will take its toll on the veteran-laden group of players currently set to begin the 2020 season for the Cincinnati Reds. A healthy bench will be important.

When the strike delayed the 1995 season until April 25th, Major League teams saw their rosters increase from 25 to 28. Fans should expect a similar adjustment once the 2020 season gets underway. So, which 30 players might we see on the Reds Opening Day roster?