Projecting the Cincinnati Reds 2023 Opening Day roster 3.0

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jose Barrero
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jose Barrero | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY
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Projecting the Cincinnati Reds 2023 Opening Day roster: Bench (4)

Luke Maile, Chad Pinder, Curt Casali, Kevin Newman

Three catchers has been the plan from the jump. After seeing so many backstops run through the clubhouse in 2022, Nick Krall wanted to have a backup plan heading into the 2023 season. Curt Casali will probably see the majority of starts when Tyler Stephenson is playing elsewhere, but Luke Maile should get at least one start per week behind the plate.

It seems as though Kevin Newman is playing the same type of role that Casali and Maile are - insurance. Newman was brought in to pick up the pieces int eh event that Jose Barrero falls flat on his face.

A former top prospect in the Reds organization, Barrero did not swing the bat well at all in 2022. Should Barrero falter again, Newman can keep the seat warm for one of either Elly De La Cruz or Matt McLain.

The final roster spot will come down to Chad Pinder versus Stuart Fairchild. With all things being equal, Fairchild has outplayed Pinder this spring and deserves the roster nod over the veteran. But that won't be the case.

Look for Pinder, due mainly to his defensive versatility, to secure the final spot on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. Had Nick Senzel been ready to go, this likely would have been his spot. But with the former first-round currently out of commission and three catchers on the roster, David Bell will need someone who can play on the infield dirt and outfield grass.

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