Cincinnati Reds: 3 non-roster invitees who’ll make Opening Day lineup

Which three non-roster invitees will suit up for the Reds on Opening Day?

Every year there’s a handful of non-roster invitees who show up to Goodyear, turn the heads of the coaching staff, and end up on the Opening Day lineup. Last season, Christian Colón, Matt Davidson, and Nate Jones found favor with David Bell during spring training and found a spot on the Cincinnati Reds roster. Who’ll make the jump from NRI to the 26-man roster this spring?

The year prior, two of the Cincinnati Reds’ most impactful players were non-roster invitees. Derek Dietrich made his presence felt early during the 2019 season and hit a three-runs bomb on Opening Day, while José Iglesias claimed the starting shortstop position after an injury to Scooter Gennett and never looked back.

This year, there aren’t as many non-roster invitees as we’ve seen in years past. Jesse Biddle, a left-handed pitcher who saw time with the Reds last season, is among the handful of pitchers in big league camp who have an outside chance to make a run at the 26-man roster.

The Reds don’t have many holes in the 2021 lineup. It’s safe to say all but the starting shortstop position have been claimed, and only the fifth starter remains in question among those competing for a slot in the starting rotation.

There are also some hot-shot, young prospects who are looking to make it to the big leagues this season. Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene will be looking to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, as will last year’s rookie shortstop José García. Which three non-roster invitees tree most likely to find their way onto the Cincinnati Reds roster when play begins on April 1st?