The unsettled outfield situation may benefit this Reds non-roster invitee

The Cincinnati Reds outfield is very unsettled heading into spring training. Those players on the 40-man roster have yet to report while the owners and the MLBPA continue to squabble over a new collective bargaining agreement.

But several players are in minor league spring training, and with the Reds outfield a mess, a strong showing from an unexpected offseason addition could shake things up. Lorenzo Cedrola has been in the Reds organization for some time, and the 24-year-old offers some interesting tools.

Could Lorenzo Cedrola sneak onto the Cincinnati Reds roster?

Originally part of the Boston Red Sox organization, Lorenzo Cedrola joined the Cincinnati Reds in 2019. A former shortstop converted into an outfielder, Cedrola has the defensive chops to patrol the middle of the outfield. A strong arm and good speed help Cedrola play above-average defense in center field.

Cedrola has shown good bat skills at the dish as well. While not necessarily a power-hitter, Cedrola can certainly hit for contact and does not strikeout a lot. In 106 games for Double-A Chattanooga, Cedrola slashed .320/.356/.461 with only an 11.4% strikeout-rate and a wRC+ of 126.

The Cincinnati Reds outfield is quite the interesting mix of players, isn't it? Jesse Winker is assured a spot in left field despite his below-average defense. Were it not for Mike Moustakas' presence on the ball club, one could make the argument that Winker should be the Reds DH in 2022.

Beyond Winker, you have to figure that Tyler Naquin will receive a lot of starts in 2022. The former Cleveland outfielder found a boatload of playing time in center field after Nick Senzel went down with a knee injury and Shogo AKiyama failed to impress at the plate.

Senzel and Akiyama will be competing for a spot in the starting lineup as well, and TJ Frield made some noise with his positive contributions near the end of last season. Finally, there's Aristides Aquino, who'll be looking to regain that stroke that saw The Punisher take home Player of the Month honors in August of 2019.

With Nick Castellanos unlikely to return, Tyler Naquin will likely line up in right field, meaning we're likely to see an open competition for the starting job in center field. Senzel, Akiyama, Friedl, and Aquino can all field the position, but don't be surprised if Lorenzo Cedrola throws his hat into the competition.

Cedrola has an advantage over the aforementioned outfielders; he's in Goodyear right now. Until a new CBA is reached, the quartet of outfielders looking to grab a starting spot in the Cincinnati Reds lineup will have to wait. If Cedrola can impress the coaching staff, I wouldn't rule out a possible spot on the Reds roster.