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

Reds 2024 Opening Day roster: Spring training battle

It would appear as though three players will be pitted against one another in battle once spring training begins early next year. Jose Barrero, Stuart Fairchild, and Nick Martini will be out prove themselves when the team descends upon Goodyear, Arizona in February.

This is race really too close to call, but Martini has one minor league option remaining. While that may help the outfielder to remain within the Reds organization, it may be something that keeps him from starting the season the on big league roster.

Rather than losing Martini to a waiver claim, the Reds could option the 33-year-old to Triple-A. That would leave Barrero and Fairchild, both of whom are out of minor league options, to duke it out in order to see who grabs the final roster spot next spring.

Both players bring an agressive approach to the plate. Many Reds fans are ready to give up on Barrero after watching him strikeout 29-percent of the time in 2023. However, Fairchild's 27.1-percent strikeout-rate wasn't much better.

Both players offer above-average defense and above-average speed. While Barrero spent most of last season in the minor leagues playing shortstop, he has experience in the outfield. Fairchild played all three outfield spots a season ago.

If the Cincinnati Reds do not add another bat to the major league roster this offseason, the competition for the final roster spot will likely come down to Nick Martini, Jose Barrero, and Stuart Fairchild. But with the Hot Stove still burning, anything can happen in the coming weeks.