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

Reds relief corps (10)

Pedro Strop (RHP), Lucas Sims (RHP), Michael Lorenzen (RHP), Cody Reed (LHP), Raisel Iglesias (RHP), Nate Jones (RHP), Tyler Mahle (RHP), Robert Stephenson (RHP), Brooks Raley (LHP) and Amir Garrett (LHP)

The last few days have seen Brooks Raley added to the Reds 40-man roster, and Nate Jones notified that he’ll be on the team’s Opening Day roster. Both are solid additions to an already loaded Cincinnati bullpen. Returning are Amir Garrett, Robert Stephenson, Raisel Iglesias and Michael Lorenzen.

Cincinnati added Pedro Strop over the winter. The former Chicago Cubs setup man will be a key figure on this year’s Reds team. If Iglesias is unable to rebound after a dreadful 2019 campaign, don’t be surprise to see David Bell turn to Strop late in games. Garrett, Lorenzen and Stephenson are also options to take over the role of closer if Iggy falters.

Lucas Sims and Tyler Mahle might be the two most value pieces on this year’s team. Both right-handers and former starting pitchers who’ll be used early and often in this odd season that’ll see 17 consecutive games to begin the season. This year’s season will be a sprint, not a marathon and Mahle and Sims will be integral pieces of the Reds bullpen if and when the starters struggle.

Cody Reed is the biggest question mark remaining for the Reds. Reed has the talent to be a legitimate relief pitcher and is the lone piece remaining from the trade that sent Johnny Cueto to the Kansas City Royals. Reed is out of options, so it makes sense that he’d make the roster, but the addition of Raley makes me question if Bell plans to keep nine or 10 relief pitchers.