Cincinnati Reds: Way-too-early roster projections for 2021 season

Reds starting rotation (5)

Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle, Wade Miley and Nick Lodolo

Sorry Reds fans, but I can’t see Cincinnati re-signing Trevor Bauer. I hope I’m wrong, but with so many young pitchers in the organization, I find it hard to believe that the ownership is going to shell out $30M-plus per season in order to bring Bauer back to the Queen City. Several other clubs will offer Bauer what he’s looking for, and I think he’ll sign elsewhere.

That said, Cincinnati’s rotation still has the potential to be very good. Obviously, after the horrendous season he had, I can’t envision the Reds investing in Anthony DeSclafani, so there’s likely to be two openings in the starting rotation.

You can go ahead and put Tyler Mahle’s name in permanent ink, as the right-hander has done more than enough to secure a spot in next year’s rotation. Mahle filled in for both DeSclafani and Wade Miley throughout the 2020 season, and in all likelihood, he’ll be the team’s No. 3 starter next season.

The Reds gave Miley way too much money to see him pitch out of the bullpen, so I think you might as well get used to the lefty in Cincinnati’s rotation next season. It’s not as bad as you might think, as injuries slowed any type of momentum Miley may have acquired in 2020. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt heading into next season, but he’ll be on a short leash.

As for the No. 5 starter, I think you’ve got a toss up between several pitchers. I’m leaning towards Cincinnati giving that spot to Nick Lodolo. Tejay Antone will certainly have something to say about it as well, but Lodolo was drafted in 2019 and the thought was that his ascension to the majors wouldn’t take very long. I’m thinking the Reds give him every chance to win the job in spring training.