3 Reds rookies who will have a surprisingly decreased role in 2023

2. Reds rookie Alejo Lopez will have a surprisingly decreased role in 2023.

Sad as it may be to several Cincinnati Reds fans, it's hard to see Alejo Lopez having a larger role in 2023. But, it's difficult to see the 26-year-old having a similar role as well. Lopez played in 61 games last season while fielding second and third base as well as seeing time in the outfield.

The hard truth is that Lopez's style of play doesn't seem to fit with the direction baseball is headed. Lopez is a terrific contact hitter, and perhaps with the elimination of the defensive shift, could be an asset for the Redlegs in 2023.

But Cincinnati has an influx of talented infielders coming up through the farm system, and it's very easy to see Lopez getting squeezed out by the likes of Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, and Spencer Steer.

There's also veterans like Matt Reynolds and Mike Moustakas who are still on the roster, not to mention the presence of Nick Senzel who may be taking on the role of super-utility player in 2023.

The deck appears to be stacked against Alejo Lopez, but that's nothing new for the former 27th-round pick. Lopez was tendered a contract for the 2023 season, so there's that. Lopez will have to continue to fight and claw for his role next season, something he's done throughout his professional career.