Reds' 2024 Opening Day roster is taking shape, but who will secure the final spot?

Reds 2024 Opening Day roster: Still much to prove

With the Cincinnati Reds looking to transform Spencer Steer into a full-time outfielder and give Jonathan India some reps on the grass as well, finding a spot on the 2024 Opening Day roster is going to be hard to come by.

That's especially true for Bubba Thompson. The outfielder was playing for two different organizations in 2023 and will have to work extra hard during the offseason in order to break onto next year's roster.

TJ Hopkins who had a cup of coffee with the Reds in 2023 and posted an impressive .924 OPS in just less than 100 games at Triple-A Louisville, was designated for assignment on Thursday. That's a shot in the arm for Thompson, but his foothold on the 40-man roster is still very shaky.

Thompson, a blazing-fast outfielder would fit right in with manager David Bell's aggressive base running approach. Thompson split time in the minors last season while with both the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. The 25-year-old recorded a combined 27 stolen bases.

That speed and the ability to play multiple outfield spots will work to Thompson's advantage. But the former first-round picks lacks any real power and his on-base percentage is not where you want it to be.

Austin Wynns is another name to watch after the Reds signed the backstop to a split-contract on Thursday. However, unless Tyler Stephenson or Luke Maile begin the season on the IL, fans shouldn't expect to see Wynns on the Opening Day roster.

Bubba Thompson has minor league options remaining, so even if he doesn't break camp with the big league club, he could be the perfect backup plan in the event that one of Cincinnati's outfielders suffers an injury and the team needs a short-term solution.