3 Reds, not named Tejay Antone, who will likely start the 2023 season on the IL

2. Reds 1B Joey Votto will begin the season on the IL.

Call me skeptical, but it would appear unlikely that Joey Votto will run his streak of Opening Day appearances to 16 straight. The six-time All-Star was shelved late last season following shoulder surgery and, while under the knife, it was revealed that Votto had an issue with his biceps as well.

The Reds, in all honesty, even seem to be getting ahead of this situation with the additions they've made this offseason. Adding Curt Casali and Luke Maile will allow Tyler Stephenson to see action at first base.

The Reds also inked Wil Myers to a one-year deal. While it's more likely that Myers will be the team's everyday right fielder, the former San Diego Padre also has experience at first base. Cincinnati also signed Jason Vosler to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training.

All these moves would seem to indicate that, at best, Votto will be limited if he returns in time to be part of the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. Both Reds GM Nick Krall and manager David Bell expect Votto to be delayed once he arrives at Goodyear later this month.

As Reds fans have seen in recent years, including Luis Castillo in 2022, a delayed start to spring training oftentimes means an absence from the Opening Day lineup. It would be foolish to count out Joey Votto completely, but the 2010 NL MVP has an uphill battle if he hopes not begin the 2023 season on the IL.