Predicting the Cincinnati Reds post-trade deadline starting lineup

4. Joey Votto, Reds first baseman

If Tyler Stephenson were healthy, David Bell would probably bump Joey Votto up to the third spot in the batting and have his catcher batting cleanup. As it is, Stephenson was just placed on the 60-day IL, so if he returns at all, it won't be until late September.

Votto has been the Cincinnati Reds cleanup hitter throughout the 2022 season. With Brandon Drury and Tommy Pham now playing for other teams, Votto is the team-leader in home runs with 10. Will we see Votto make his classic late-season charge this year? He's certainly been better since returning from the IL.

5. Aristides Aquino, Reds right fielder

Reds fans are going to laugh, but Aristides Aquino is going to get one last chance to prove that he has what it takes to be a major league player. Aquino has all the tools to be a force in the middle of the lineup, but he has to cut down on his strikeouts.

Given the lack of outfield depth in the Reds minor leagues, The Punisher is the best of a bunch of not-so-good options. But at this point, Cincinnati should just send out Aquino every day and see what he's got. He's only played in 32 games and there's no better player on the roster to line up in right field night in and night out. Aquino has a cannot for an arm.

6. Jake Fraley/ Albert Almora, Reds left fielder

This is where things start to get interesting. Without Tommy Pham in left field, David Bell will get the opportunity to mix and match his lineup based on the opposing starting pitcher. Look for Jake Fraley to start versus right-handers and Albert Almora to get the green light agains southpaws.

Fraley has been sidelined for quite some time, but performed well in his first game back off the Injured List. The same can be said for Almora. Both these men can field all three outfield positions and will see plenty of time in the Reds lineup over the next two months.