Predicting the Reds 2023 starting lineup with the addition of Wil Myers

The wait is over, Reds fans! The Cincinnati Reds finally made a significant free agent signing. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, outfielder Wil Myers and the Reds have agreed to a one-year/$7.5M contract.

According to Passan, Myers' contract could be worth up to $9.5M based on playing time. There's also a mutual option for the 2024 season. This is the team's second free agent signing of the offseason.

This should help the Cincinnati faithful settle down just a bit. After seeing so many free agents come off the board over the past few weeks, Reds Country was beginning to think the front office wasn't going to make another signing until the new year.

Predicting the Reds 2023 Opening Day lineup with the addition of Wil Myers.

Signing Wil Myers brings a little bit of clarity to the Cincinnati Reds lineup for next season. Myers slashed .261/.315/.398 last season for the San Diego Padres. Petco Park is notorious for being unkind to hitters, an enormous contrast when compared to Great American Ball Park.

Myers, a former NL Rookie of the Year and one-time All-Star, brings power from the right side. The 32-year-old is career .254 hitter and has 153 home runs to his name. What might the Reds Opening Day lineup look like with the addition of Myers?

1. Jonathan India, 2B

Jonathan India suffered through an injury-plagued sophomore season, but still managed to play over 100 games. A healthy-version of India is the Cincinnati Reds leadoff hitter in 2023.

2. Jake Fraley, DH

Jake Fraley had some injuries that held him back as well during his first year in the Queen City. A case could be made for Fraley to lead things off in 2023, but it would appear that Fraley might have a bit more pop than India.

3. Tyler Stephenson, C

Injuries would appear to be the storyline for some of the best hitters in Cincinnati's lineup last season. Tyler Stephenson is expected to return to his role behind the plate after three seperate stints on the IL in 2022.

4. Joey Votto, 1B

Joey Votto suffered the first major injury of his career since 2014. If the six-time All-Star is full-strength come next spring, expect Votto to occupy the No. 4 spot in the Reds lineup.

5. Wil Myers, RF

This will be a nice addition to the Cincinnati Reds starting lineup. Wil Myers is veteran, right-handed bat with some pop who'll excel at Great American Ball Park. Myers fills one of the biggest holes in the Reds lineup heading into next season.

6. Spencer Steer, 3B

It's anyone's guess who'll lineup at third base for the Reds next season, but one would think that former Minnesota Twins prospect Spencer Steer has the inside track. There's a possibility that Mike Moustakas could return to the Reds lineup, but that likelihood seems to be dwindling with each passing day.

7. TJ Friedl, LF

While Jake Fraley may lineup in left field on occasion as well, TJ Friedl is the better defender. Friedl played exceedingly well down the stretch last season, and a solid spring training should solifiy his spot in the starting lineup.

8. Nick Senzel, CF

Will Nick Senzel be the Cincinnati Reds starting centerfielder on Opening Day? That's definitely debatable, but at this time he would appear to the most likely candidate. Currently on the Reds roster. Don't be shocked if Nick Krall is still in the market for a centerfielder, even with the addition of Wil Myers.

9. Jose Barrero, SS

Kevin Newman is going to give Jose Barrero a run for his money. If Barrero fails to meet expectations, Newman will be waiting in the wings. That said, Barrero should be given every chance to secure the starting shortstop job heading into next season.

Again, the addition of Wil Myers is not enough to make the Cincinnati Reds contenders in 2023. Even another free agent signing here or there might only be enough to lift the Redlegs out of the NL Central cellar and into fourth-place.

But, at least the front office made some sort of move. Myers should be slotted somewhere in the middle of the Reds lineup, and hitting in the hitter-friendly environment of GABP, there's a chance that Myers will have a career-year.