Predicting the Reds 40-man roster moves prior to Opening Day

Reds 40-man roster predictions: Tony Santillan to 60-day IL, Jason Vosler added

Signing Jason Vosler during the offseason felt very much like the addition of Brandon Drury in 2022. A power-hitting corner infielder who had moderate success a year ago, Vosler could sneak onto the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster.

Vosler presence becomes even more crucial if Joey Votto is unable to go. I don't know about you, but I wasn't encouraged by what Votto said on Saturday. It was almost as if the former MVP was prepping Reds Country for his absence.

If Votto begin the season on the IL in order to continue to ramp up following surgery, Vosler's inclusion on the Reds Opening Day roster is a must. Even if Votto is ready to go, Vosler could still find his way onto the roster.

With Spencer Steer as the lone third baseman on the active roster, Reds manager David Bell may want some insurance in the event that Steer struggles or needs a day off before Nick Senzel returns.

Tony Santillan is not necessarily two months away from being ready to pitch, but sending the right-hander to the 60-day IL might provide the team with the most options. No one else on the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster is expected to be limited to begin the 2023 season.

While Santillan may be ready as soon as mid-to-late April, if it becomes necessary to add Jason Vosler to the 40-man roster, the Reds will have a difficult decision. Do they DFA Stuart Fairchild or Nick Solak? Do they release Ian Gibaut? Moving Santillan to the 60-day IL would give the team continued roster flexibility and not disrupt their plan for the reliever all that much.