Cincinnati Reds 2023 Opening Day roster predictions 1.0

Reds 2023 Opening Day roster predictions: Bullpen (8)

Tejay Antone, Lucas Sims, Tony Santillan, Alexis Diaz, Justin Dunn, Reiver Sanmartin, Ian Gibaut, Buck Farmer

Again, these Opening Day roster predictions are predicated on every player being healthy. The bullpen was ravaged by injuries during the 2022 season, and a couple of these pitchers may begin the 2023 season on the injured list.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021, there's a huge question mark surrouding Tejay Antone's ability to pitch at the beginning of next season. If he's fully healthy, Antone could be one of the Reds best relievers.

Lucas Sims and Tony Santillan both spent the majority of last season on the IL as well. The right-handers were both thought to be in the imx to be Cincinnati's closer in 2022, but Sims pitched in just six games while Santillan threw less than 20 innings.

Speaking of closers, it's highly unlikely that anyone displaces Alexis Diaz in 2023. The brother of New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz, Alexis will be looking to build off a very successful rookie season that saw him lead the Reds in saves (10).

If Justin Dunn fails to land a spot in the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation, look for the former first-round pick to be the long man out of the bullpen. With Luis Cessa looking like a starter, Cincinnati will need a reliever who can go more than just one inning.

Ian Gibaut is out of options, and pitched better than expected after the joining the Reds midway through last season. Buck Farmer was nearly unhittable after returning from a stint with the Louisville Bats in 2022. And Reiver Sanmartin may be the only left-handed option Reds manager David Bell has to turn to during the early going of the 2023 season.