1 Reds prospect who will make the Opening Day roster and 2 who will not

The Cincinnati Reds have officially invited five of their top prospects to Goodyear, Arizona. These young players will be non-roster invitees and be given the chance to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.

In recent years, players like infielder Jonathan India and pitcher Nick Lodolo have taken advantage of such opportunities and forced their way onto the Reds Opening Day roster.

It's no easy task, but a strong showing during spring training and a little bit of good fortune can oftentimes lead to a non-roster invitee sneaking onto the Opening Day roster. Which Cincinnati Reds prospect has the best chance to do so, and which two will begin the 2023 in the minor leagues?

Infielder Matt McLain will make the Reds 2023 Opening Day roster.

It's anyone's guess as to who will be the Cincinnati Reds starting shortstop on Opening Day. While all of Reds Country is excited to see the major league debut of superstar prospect Elly De La Cruz, many of the Cincinnati faithful seem to be forgetting about former first-round draft pick Matt McLain.

McLain was in big league camp last spring and will be back again in 2023. McLain made it all the way to Double-A Chattanooga in 2022, and while an assignment to Triple-A to begin next season seems like the next logical step, there's a good chance that a solid showing in spring training could catapult McLain onto the Reds Opening Day roster.

Jose Barrero struggled mightily in 2022, and his standing on the 2023 roster is very much in question. The Reds traded for former Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman, but the veteran infielder isn't the longterm solution for the position.

Matt McLain could also be the Cincinnati Reds starting third baseman in 2023. While Spencer Steer probably has the inside track, and there's whispers of Nick Senzel making a return to the infield, McLain could find his home at the hot corner on Opening Day next season.