Cincinnati Reds: Final Opening Day roster predictions for the 2020 season

Reds starting lineup (9)

Joey Votto (1B), Mike Moustakas (2B), Freddy Galvis (SS), Eugenio Suárez (3B), Tucker Barnhart (C), Nick Castellanos (RF), Nick Senzel (CF), Shogo Akiyama (LF), Jesse Winker (DH)

This prediction has not changed since summer camp began. Nick Senzel and Eugenio Suárez underwent shoulder surgery during the offseason, but both players were given the green light and appear fully healed and ready to go. Both players will be leaned on heavily during the upcoming season.

Add to the mix veterans Joey Votto, Freddy Galvis and Mike Moustakas. Votto is in need of a bounce-back performance after two sub-par seasons. Galvis, who hit a career-high 23 home runs in 2019 has the youngster José García nipping at his heels. However, it’s unlikely we’ll see García make his debut in 2020. Moustakas will be a force in the middle of the Reds batting order.

Fellow free agent signee Nick Castellanos will see plenty of time in right field, but he’s also likely to see a few starts as the team’s designated hitter. Jesse Winker will likely get the call as the team’s DH when a right-handed pitcher is on the mound, but may be subbed out when a southpaw toes the rubber.

Rounding out the starting lineup is another free agent whom the Reds picked up this past winter in Shogo Akiyama. The first Japanese born player in team history will see plenty of time all over the Cincinnati outfield. Tucker Barnhart will be hanging the signs against right-handed pitchers, but will likely give way to Curt Casali when the opposing pitcher is a left-hander.