Latest Reds roster cut reveals who might actually survive bullpen fight

The Cincinnati Reds have decided to go with a six-man starting rotation (sort of) to begin the 2026 season. Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Brandon Williamson were locked in a tight battle all spring, and Reds manager Terry Francona decided the race was too close to call. All three pitchers will be part of the Reds Opening Day roster.

But adding an extra starter to the mix will take a reliever away from the bullpen. One pitcher who won't make the cut, however, is Hagen Danner. On Wednesday, the Reds reassigned the right-hander to Minor League camp, leaving just four pitchers battling for the final spot in the bullpen.

With all things being equal, this competition was likely to come down to Danner or Sam Moll. Danner had been one of the most impressive pitchers throughout the spring, but he's on a minor-league deal.

In order to break camp with the big-league club, Cincinnati would have to add Danner to the 40-man roster — a move it appears they were hesitant to make. Moll is part of the Reds 40-man roster, but with no minor league options remaining, he'll either make the team or be designated for assignment.

Hagen Danner was reassigned, and the Reds have one spot left to fill

Luis Mey and Zach Maxwell are still part of the equation, but both pitchers have battled control and command issues throughout their minor-league careers. Cactus League play hasn't been very kind to Maxwell who has six walks this spring, but four of those came during his first appearance back on February 22. Since that time, he's issued just two free passes and struck out 11.

Mey has only walked three batters all spring, but he's allowed nine runs on 10 hits. Over his last four outings, however, the fireballer has allowed just one earned run. Both Maxwell and Mey still have minor-league options remaining, so it's a good bet they'll head back to Louisville and await a phone call should the need arise.

One pitcher who's been overlooked all spring — namely because he was pitching for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic — is Kyle Nicolas. The former Pittsburgh Pirates hurler was traded to Cincinnati earlier this offseason, but his lack of Cactus League outings will likely work against him when it's time to pare down the roster.

Emilio Pagán, Tony Santillan, Graham Ashcraft, Pierce Johnson, and Brock Burke are already ticketed to be part of the relief corps on Opening Day, and it was recently revealed that Connor Phillips made the roster as well.

Francona has two openings left — one in the bullpen and one on the bench. Reds fans will soon learn which 26 players are headed to Cincinnati for Opening Day, and who's set to open the season in the minor leagues.