The Reds 2023 Opening Day infield appears to be set

By the sound of things, Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell already has a pretty good idea of who'll be lining up in the infield for Opening Day.

With the MLB Winter Meetings underway this week, it's very common for managers and front office executives to speak with the media. In one such session (via MLB.com), Bell spoke about several players currently on the Reds roster.

It sounds like Bell already has an idea of what his everyday infield will look like heading into next season. Where they find their name on the lineup card might be up to interpretation, but Reds fans will see a lot of familiarity on next year's roster.

The Reds 2023 Opening Day infield appears to be set.

Fans should not expect a position change for Jonathan India next season, despite the fact that his defensive numbers at second base were absolutely dreadful. To be fair to the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year, a nagging calf injury certainly impacted his performance, both in the field and at the plate.

India will be entering the 2023 season looking to solidify his place as a leader in the clubhouse and on the field. If India is able to return to his 2021 form, then the entire NL Central had better be on high alert.

Speaking of position changes, don't look for Tyler Stephenson to move to first base. For starter, that position will be occupied by Joey Votto (if healthy), and Cincinnati does not have a solid replacement for Stephenson behind the plate. Look for both Stephenson and Votto to return to their respective positions in 2023.

Who will be the Reds Opening Day third baseman in 2023?

Spencer Steer, who had a cup of coffee with the Reds in 2022, will be part of the team's Opening Day roster in 2023. If all goes well uring spring training, fans should expect to see Steer occupying the hot corner next season.

Steer was part of the return for Tyler Mahle, and the young infielder is well-regarded for his plate discipline and defensive versatilty. It may be a stretch to call Steer the Reds' everyday third baseman, but he'll see plenty of time at the position next season.

Finally, we come to shortstop. Jose Barrero is currently in the Puerto Rican Winter League, and the Cincinnati Reds will be looking to offer him every chance to win the starting job outright during spring training. If Barrero continues to punish the air around home plate as he did with umpteen swings and misses in 2022, the club has a backup plan.

Cincinnati traded Kyle Farmer to the Twins, but in a separate deal added veteran infielder Kevin Newman to the roster. Newman could very well be Cincinnati's shortstop on Opening Day if Jose Barrero does not correct his propensity for striking out. The Reds will also have Elly De La Cruz waiting in the wings.

Nothing is set in stone, and obviously the Reds' front office could surprise everyone and land another free agent infielder this offseason, but for all intents and purposes, the Cincinnati infield is set heading into next season.