3 most difficult decisions the Reds must make before the end of spring training

How will the playing time be allocated among the Reds infielders?

Spring training is the perfect time for Reds manager David Bell to figure a few things out. The biggest sticking point among the Reds fanbase is how Cincinnati's skipper plans to allocate playing time to plethora of infielders currently on the roster.

Spencer Steer will get some reps on the infield dirt, but last year's rookie will surely see the majority of his starts in left field. From Bell's remarks earlier this week, it sounds as if Elly De La Cruz (shortstop) and Matt McLain (second base) will be regulars in the Reds lineup.

But after that, all bets are off. One day, fans might see Christian Encarnacion-Strand at first base, only to be replaced by Jonathan India the following the day. Noelvi Marte might get a start at third base on a Thursday with Jeimer Candelario lining up at the hot corner on Friday. Bell's lineups could change day-to-day.

The designated hitter certainly makes this abundance of infield talent much easier to juggle, but Bell also has four quality outfielders in Steer, TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, and Will Benson who'll be looking to receive everyday reps as well.

Will one of Marte or Encarnacion-Strand begin the year in Triple-A just to ease the need to rotate players on a regular basis? That seems like a stretch at this point, but spring training will offer fans the ability to see how the club plans to use their depth to their advantage in 2024.