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

Reds relievers (8)

Lucas Sims, Amir Garrett, Michael Lorenzen, Archie Bradley, Tejay Antone, Raisel Iglesias, Sal Romano and José De León

I feel confident about four of the eight players listed. Amir Garrett, Lucas Sims, Archie Bradley and Raisel Iglesias will all be part of Cincinnati’s bullpen next season. As for Michael Lorenzen and Tejay Antone, I think they’ll be competing for a spot in the Reds starting rotation.

The battle for that final spot in the Reds rotation will dictate how the bullpen lines up. Lorenzen and Antone both showed themselves capable of starting, but where are the most valuable to David Bell and Derek Johnson? I’ll still go with Lodolo for now, but Lorenzen’s ability to be a two-way player would benefit the club more if he were a starting pitcher.

Will Iglesias be the closer next season? To begin the season, I’ll say yes. However, as the season wanes, I think we may see Lucas Sims make the transition to be the one locking things down in the ninth inning. Sims’ stuff is filthy, and if it’s not next season, look for Sims to be the Reds closer in 2022.

For now, let’s give the final two spots in the Cincinnati bullpen to Sal Romano and José De León. Romano played very little and was left off the postseason roster, but Big Sally just seems to hang around. De León is a solid pitcher who received a few different opportunities this season, but never received a consistent shot at sticking in the big leagues. I think he’ll get that next season.

So, what do you think Reds Country? Is that enough to get the Cincinnati Reds back to the playoffs in 2021? If not, who should they target in free agency? Do you think the front office does enough to bring back Trevor Bauer? Will Nick Castellanos stick around for one more season? We’ll find out soon enough.