Predicting the Reds Opening Day starting lineup vs. Braves' pitcher Max Fried

4. Tyler Stephenson, Reds catcher

Tyler Stephenson will be the Cincinnati Reds everyday catcher in 2022. With Tucker Barnhart now in Detroit, last year's rookie will don the tools of ignorance on a nightly basis for the Redlegs. Look for Stephenson to be slotted right behind Joey Votto on Opening Day versus Braves' starter Max Fried.

It's not out of the realm of possibilities for Stephenson to find himself in the cleanup on a regular basis. Stephenson has the power to hit for 20-plus home runs in a season and his .366 on-base percentage coupled with last year's 10.2% walk-rate are all good signs heading into the 2022 season.

5. Mike Moustakas, Reds third baseman

Max Fried is a lefty, but with Eugenio Suárez off to Seattle, Mike Moustakas is no longer a platoon player. In fact, he never was supposed to be a platoon player. Moose is taking home $16M in 2022 and he needs to be in the lineup every day. Whether he's playing third base or acting as the Reds DH is irrelevant; Moustakas must be in the lineup if he's healthy.

That was something that alluded Moustakas in 2021. Moose played in just 62 games last season due to a variety of lower body injuries. Until Donovan Solano and Jose Barrero return from injury, Moustakas should be manning third base and hitting fifth or sixth in the lineup.

6. Nick Senzel, Reds centerfielder

We all know about Nick Senzel's injury history so there's no need to rehash it every time his name comes up. The former first-round pick has had a terrific spring and he's looking to establish himself as a regular in the Cincinnati Reds lineup.

I don't think we're going to see a platoon situation with Senzel this season, but having Jake Fraley and Tyler Naquin on the roster certainly allow for it. This is probably Senzel's last chance to establish himself as an everyday player in the big leagues, and it'll start on Thursday night versus Max Fried.