Predicting the Reds 2023 Opening Day outfield

Predicting the Reds 2023 Opening Day outfield: Wil Myers (RF)

Gone are the days of seeing Jay Bruce trot out of the dugout every Opening Day announced as the starting right fielder. This year will be the seventh since Bruce’s last one in Cincinnati. The 2023 Opening Day lineup features the organization's fifth different starting right fielder since 2017. A revolving door has been created in front of the Bowtie Bar for sure.

This offseason, the Reds went with a veteran presence to man right field. Wil Myers signed a one-year/$7.5-million contract with a mutual option for 2024. Myers has spent the last eight years with the San Diego Padres and comes to the Cincinnati Reds with the intent of being the primary right fielder. 

So far through 23 at-bats in camp, Myers has hit at a .304 clip with a .320 on-base percentage. Myers's approach this spring has looked good, which has resulted in a high batting average. Getting some starts in right field as well as being slotted in the DH role, Myers has a chance at a big bounce-back year. 

Last year, according to FanGraphs, Wil Myers posted a wRC+ at 104 with seven home runs in a very pitcher-friendly ballpark. In 2023, he will be playing his home games inside the hitter's dream known at Great American Ball Park.

I can see Myers producing a Brandon Drury-type season this year. Playing in Cincinnati, a very hitter-friendly park, Myers might be able to get his groove back and show he still has a little left in the tank.