Reds Opening Day roster bubble projections: Last 4 in, First 4 out

Reds Opening Day roster bubble projections: First 4 out

Matt Reynolds (IF): If Matt Reynolds is healthy, there's every reason to believe that he could have a spot on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. The problem is that Reynolds has only played in three games so far this spring due to a quad injury.

The good news, however, is that he's batting 1.000. Still, with only a little over a week until Opening Day, it seems like a long-shot that the veteran infielder will be part of the 26-man roster. Look for Reynolds to begin the year on the minor-league IL.

Brandon Williamson (LHP): This is a tough one, and I'm still not ruling out the possibility of Brandon Williamson actually making the Reds Opening Day roster. But with Luis Cessa returning from the WBC earlier than expected, he may have enough time to get stretched out and snag that final spot in the starting rotation.

If Williamson does not make the cut, he'll go straight to Louisville to begin his 2023 campaign and likely be the first name called if and when the Reds need a spot starter. Both Williamson and Levi Stoudy will make it to The Show in 2023.

Bennett Sousa (LHP): The Cincinnati Reds acquired Bennett Sousa after he was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox earlier this spring. Cincy has been in search for another left-hander to add to their bullpen all spring.

Sousa has minor-league options remaining, but if the Reds decide to roll with Alex Young as their additional lefty instead, the former 10th-round draft pick could lose his 40-man roster spot to the pitcher who actually replaces him.

Henry Ramos (OF): Had Henry Ramos not participated in the World Baseball Classic, we may be talking about him as a dark horse candidate to sneak onto the Reds Opening Day roster. But playing in the WBC as part of Team Puerto Rico eliminated the opportunity for Ramos to get extended playing time in front of the Cincinnati coaching staff.

Ramos has minor-league options remaining, but being a non-roster invitee, the Reds would have to add him to the 40-man roster before optioning the switch-hitting outfielder to Triple-A. So far this spring, Ramos has posted a 1.517 OPS. Do the Reds option Will Benson to Triple-A in order to add Ramos to the roster? That seems unlikely.