3 Reds players who can’t afford a quiet spring training

Pitchers and catcher officially report to Goodyear, Arizona today and the position players won't be far behind. The Cincinnati Reds are looking to build off their success from last season, and the late-offseason addition of Eugenio Suárez should certainly help in that regard.

Spring training, however, offers different opportunities for different players. Hunter Greene, Elly De La Cruz, and Nick Lodolo are just looking to round into regular season shape, while players like Hector Rodriguez and Cam Collier are just happy to be in camp and get some face-time with the coaches.

But there are a few players on the Reds roster who need to excel during their time out in Arizona — either to maintain good standing within the organization or just to retain their roster spot. These three players can't afford a quiet spring training and need to make their mark.

3 Reds players who can’t afford a quiet spring training

Will Benson, Reds outfielder

Will Benson has been a boom or bust player for a few years now, but the presence of JJ Bleday could turn 2026 into a make-or-break season for the former first-round pick. The addition of Suárez likely pushes Spencer Steer to the outfield, meaning Benson and Bleday — both left-handed hitters — will be competing for playing time and perhaps even a spot on the roster.

The Reds signed Bleday to a Major League contract after he was dumped by the Athletics, and it's assumed that he'll be factor in the outfield this season. Both Benson and Bleday have minor-league options remaining, so the camp competition between these two could determine who's on the Opening Day roster and who starts the year in Triple-A.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Reds infielder

Much like the Suárez signing changes the roster math for Benson and Bleday, adding Geno almost guarantees that Christian Encarnacion-Strand will open the season in the minor leagues. Encarnacion-Strand burst onto the scene in 2023, but an injury-riddled 2024 and an unproductive 2025 took the shine off a once promising player.

If CES shows up to camp in shape and ready to compete, he could be one of the first early-season call-ups when one of the Reds regulars inevitably struggles or hits the IL. Noelvi Marte received such an opportunity last spring, and he's now ticketed to be the Reds Opening Day starter in right field this season. Encarnacion-Strand needs a strong showing this spring if he hopes to follow suit.

Sam Moll, Reds pitcher

While both Benson and Encarnacion-Strand will be fighting for a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster this spring, Sam Moll will be fighting just to remain in the organization. Unlike Benson and CES, Moll is out of minor-league options, meaning if he's not on the active roster come March 26, he'll be out of job.

Moll was terrific when he came over from the A's in 2023. He held his own in 2024, but was terrible last season. Moll appeared in 23 games and posted a 6.38 ERA, 5.21 FIP, and 12.3% walk rate in less than 20 innings of work. The Reds have insurance with left-handers Caleb Ferguson and Brock Burke on the roster, meaning Moll will need to impress the coaching staff if he hopes to stick around for Opening Day.