Ranking every player on the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster

After a long spring filled with prospects rising and injuries befalling some of the team's top players it's time to rank the all players on the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster.

Just as it was last year, these ratings are subjective and take into account a player's production and potential. Just because Elly De La Cruz hasn't swung the bat in a major league game does not mean that he'll be slotted behind veteran pitcher Buck Farmer.

Injuries do factor in, but Tejay Antone's inability to take the field at this point in time will not see him ranked behind a player like outfield prospect Michael Siani who's had a cup of coffee at the major-league level. So, let's get right into it, shall we? Note: The Reds current 40-man roster stands at 43.

Ranking the Reds 40-man roster: Who is No. 43 through No. 41?

43. Lyon Richardson, Reds pitcher

Lyon Richardson has talent and could skyrocket up this list if he has a healthy 2023 campaign. The Reds added the former second-round pick to the 40-man roster despite the fact that Richardson missed all of 2022 after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

42. Ricky Karcher, Reds pitcher

Ricky Karcher was added to the Reds 40-man roster during the offseason in order to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Karcher has tremendous velocity on his fastball, but he'll have to improve on his command and control. Karcher walked 40 batters in a little over 56 innings in the minor leagues last season.

41. Michael Siani, Reds outfielder

Michael Siani, having only two weeks-worth of major league experience, is arguably Cincinnati's best defensive outfielder. But the 23-year-old will have to improve at the dish and will likely begin the 2023 season at Triple-A Louisville.

Ranking the Reds 40-man roster: Who is No. 40 through No. 36?

40. Joel Kuhnel, Reds pitcher

Joel Kuhnel made it back to the major leagues after being out for the majority of the 2021 season due to a shoulder injury. Kuhnel was a fringe candidate to make the Cincinnati Reds roster out of spring training, and his 6.36 ERA in 2022 doesn't offer much promise. However, Kuhnel did post a 2.36 ERA in the Cactus League this spring.

39. Casey Legumina, Reds pitcher

The Minnesota Twins liked Casey Legumina enough to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, and the Cincinnati Reds liked him enough to trade Kyle Farmer. Legumina has a solid fastball, but just like Ricky Karcher, will need to work on his command and control. The right-hander will begin his 2023 season in the minors.

38. Justin Dunn, Reds pitcher

This is not a commentary on Justin Dunn's skills, as the right-hander is much better than what he's shown during his brief time in Cincinnati. But the reality is that Dunn has been sidelined by injuries and will miss at least the first two months of the 2023 season with a shoulder injury.

37. Bennett Sousa, Reds pitcher

The Cincinnati Reds picked up Bennett Sousa after he was released by the Chicago White Sox. While the Redlegs may be desperate for another left-hander in the bullpen, Sousa's 8.41 ERA and 1.721 WHIP can't instill much confidence despite a good showing in spring training. Sousa was optioned to Triple-A just before the season began.

36. Vladimir Gutierrez, Reds pitcher

Vladimir Gutierrez may miss the entire 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Gutierrez had a rough final month during his rookie season in 2021 and in 10 games last year, the right-hander owned an ERA of 7.61. Gutierrez will be given another opportunity to find a spot in the Reds bullpen, but he may have to wait until 2024.

Ranking the Reds 40-man roster: Who is No. 35 through No. 31?

35. Luke Maile, Reds catcher

Luke Maile will be one of three catchers to break camp with the Cincinnati Reds. After seven catchers saw playing time with the Reds last season, general manager Nick Krall made it a point to add depth to the position during the offseason. Look for Maile to start one or two games per week.

34. Connor Overton, Reds pitcher

Connor Overton does not subscribe to the current type of pitching that seen throughout Major League Baseball. Last year's rookie relies on pinpoint accuracy and control rather than velocity. Time will tell if that strategy pays off in 2023, but he will be part of the Reds rotation to begin the season.

33. Levi Stoudt, Reds pitcher

Levi Stoudt could quickly move up this list if he plays up to his potential. The right-hander was part of last season's trade with the Seattle Mariners and Stoudt competed for a spot in the Reds starting rotation this spring. The right-hander will begin his 2023 season at Triple-A Louisville and look make his way to the big league sometime later this year.

32. Brandon Williamson, Reds pitcher

Brandon Williamson joined the Cincinnati Reds organization last spring after being acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a deal that sent Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker to the Pacific Northwest. Williamson found himself in a battle with several veterans for a spot in the starting rotation, but after falling out of favor, the southpaw will start the 2023 season in Triple-A.

31. Noelvi Marte, Reds infielder

It would appear that Noelvi Marte has a bright future. Marte was the key piece of the Luis Castillo trade with the Seattle Mariners last summer. Marte will be learning a new position (third base) this season, and fans are unlikely to see him on a major league field until 2024. Marte will begin the year at Double-A.

Ranking the Reds 40-man roster: Who is No. 30 through No. 26?

30. Jason Vosler, Reds infielder

Jason Vosler was a non-roster invitee who landed on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day lineup and was the team's starting first base in Game 1 versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. Vosler offers some power from the left side and the ability to play both corner infield spots.

29. Derek Law, Reds pitcher

No relief pitcher had a better spring camp for the Reds than Derek Law. The right-hander overcame the odds and landed a spot on the Opening Day roster despite being a non-roster invitee. Reds fans should be excited about Law's presence because it meant that Hunter Strickland did not sneak onto the 40-man roster.

28. Stuart Fairchild, Reds outfielder

With so many additions to the Reds outfield, Stuart Fairchild seems to be a forgotten man. The former second-round pick has plenty speed and pop to be, at the very least, a fourth outfielder on the club. The harsh reality is, however, that the roster squeeze almost forced Fairchild to begin the season in the minors. He'll yo-yo between Triple-A and the majors this season.

27. Ian Gibaut, Reds pitcher

Ian Gibaut has great peripheral numbers and showed flashes with the Reds in 2022. The right-hander played for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic and didn't allow a run. Gibaut relies on his velocity, a hard-breaking slider, and that intimidating presence on the mound.

26. Tejay Antone, Reds pitcher

This is about as high as Tejay Antone can be slotted. After missing all of the 2022 season following his recovery from Tommy John surgery, a flexor strain will keep the right-hander shelved through the first-half of the 2023 season. If Antone can return to his pre-injury form, then he'll be one of the Reds best relievers.

Ranking the Reds 40-man roster: Who is No. 25 through No. 21?

25. Reiver Sanmartin, Reds pitcher

Reiver Sanmartin was given the chance to start in 2022 and the results were disastrous. After a brief stint in Triple-A, Sanmartin returned as a reliever and showed much more promise. Can the left-hander find similar success in 2023? He'll at least have some fellow southpaws in the bullpen this season.

24. Alex Young, Reds pitcher

Speaking of southpaws, Alex Young had a terrific spring and earned his spot on the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster. Young, who has minor league options remaining, went 1-1 in 25 games last season and posted a 2.36 ERA. It's no mistake that he made this ball club.

23. Fernando Cruz, Reds pitcher

Fernando Cruz made his MLB debut at the age of 32 last year. Cruz was fantastic as the Louisville Bats closer throughout most of last season and received a September call-up. Cruz worked well out of the Reds bullpen and has a chance to find a bigger role with the club in 2023.

22. Jose Barrero, Reds infielder

Jose Barrero will be given a chance to live up to the lofty expectations that have been heaped upon him. After being labeled as the Reds best minor league player in 2021, Barrero suffered through a terrible season in 2022. The starting shortstop job is Barrero's to begin the season, but he'll have a tough time hanging onto it.

21. Nick Senzel, Reds infielder/ outfielder

This is it for Nick Senzel. The former first-round pick has to put up or shut in 2023. Three of Senzel's past four seasons have ended on the IL. David Bell has spoken about Senzel being more of a utility player during the 2023 season, and that may be his best role. Senzel will start 2023 on the IL.

Ranking the Reds 40-man roster: Who is No. 20 through No. 16?

20. Tony Santillan, Reds pitcher

There were a lot of expectations for Tony Santillan last season. A few fans even thought he could be the Cincinnati Reds closer. That job now belongs to Alexis Diaz, but if he's healthy, Santillan could be a key cog in the Reds bullpen. Santillan will start the year on the 15-day IL.

19. Buck Farmer, Reds pitcher

Buck Farmer was designated for assignment in May of last year, but after a brief stint in the Derby City, the right-hander returned to the Cincinnati bullpen. Farmer was one of the Reds best relievers during the second-half of last season, and the team is hoping to see more of that in 2023.

18. Lucas Sims, Reds pitcher

Lucas Sims appeared in just seven games for the Reds in 2022 before being sidelined for the remainder of the season with a back injury. If healthy, Sims is one of the best relievers in the Cincinnati bullpen. Sims endured a shaky spring and he'll start the season on the IL.

17. Luke Weaver, Reds pitcher

Luke Weaver was one of Nick Krall's free agent acquisitions this winter. Weaver was in competition with several other pitchers this spring and could work his way back into the starting rotation. A forearm injury will land Weaver on the 15-day IL to begin the season. The right-hander could operate as a reliever as well.

16. Curt Casali, Reds catcher

Curt Casali may have been the biggest offseason acquisition on the part of the Cincinnati Reds. Having a veteran backstop in the clubhouse brings a measure of leadership to the team and it also allows David Bell to move Tyler Stephenson from behind the plate in order to keep his best hitter healthy.

Ranking the Reds 40-man roster: Who is No. 15 through No. 11?

15. Kevin Newman, Reds infielder

Kevin Newman, a longtime member of the Pittsburgh Pirates, was brought to Cincinnati as a insurance policy. While it looks as though Jose Barrero will get the lion's share of reps at shortstop, Newman will be there to pick up the pieces if he struggles.

14. Will Benson, Reds outfielder

Where to rank Will Benson among those on the Reds 40-man roster proved to be rather difficult. The outfielder, who came over from Cleveland earlier this offseason, has spent most of his career in the minors. Benson has tremendous pop along with great speed and could see plenty of time in center field for the Reds this season.

13. Spencer Steer, Reds infielder

This may be a little low, but for now, Spencer Steer is still an unknown commodity. A lot of projections foresee a big year from the rookie and it's very likely that Steer will be manning the hot corner throughout the 2023 season.

12. TJ Friedl, Reds outfielder

Don't sleep on TJ Friedl. A second-half surge saw the outfielder clobber eight home runs. Friedl has the speed to play up the middle of the Reds outfield and the University of Nevada product is one of the few left-handed bats that David Bell has available this season.

11. Luis Cessa, Reds pitcher

Luis Cessa will be begin the 2023 season in the Reds starting rotation. But where will he finish? Cessa may well be headed back to the bullpen at some point this season. Or, as one of the few Reds players slated to hit free agency during the offseason, Cessa could be on the trade block come July.

Ranking the Reds 40-man roster: Who is No. 10 through No. 6?

10. Elly De La Cruz, Reds infielder

Having only gotten as high as Double-A last season, this is about as high as Elly De La Cruz can be ranked. That's especially true seeing as how the Reds top prospect posted a 30.1-percent strikeout-rate in 2022. But, De La Cruz could vault toward the top of this list rather quickly bases on his overall talent. De La Cruz will begin the year on the IL in Triple-A with a hamstring injury.

9. Jake Fraley, Reds outfielder

Reds fans, if you haven't been paying attention, you should be excited for the type of season we could see from Jake "The Rake" Fraley. If there's a right-hander on the mound, fans in the Sun Deck at Great American Ball Park better be on the lookout for some incoming baseballs.

8. Joey Votto, Reds infielder

Joey Votto is coming off major surgery and a season in which he struggled to hit just above .200. This is not the same player who won MVP, and not is he the same player who went to the All-Star Game on six separate occasions. After surgery in August, Votto will begin the 2023 season on the IL. If he's fully healthy, Votto could be the best player on the team.

7. Wil Myers, Reds outfielder

Wil Myers was arguably the best pickup for the Res during the offseason. With Joey Votto beginning the year on the Injured List, Myers will split time between right field, first base, and DH. Myers is a free agent at the end of the year, so a solid season could see him dealt at the trade deadline. However, there is a mutual option in Myers contract.

6. Alexis Diaz, Reds pitcher

Rumors have been swirling since the offseason began about a potential Alexis Diaz trade to the New York Mets. Those rumors only got louder after his older brother Edwin injured his knee in the World Baseball Classic. But, for now, Diaz will be operating out of the backend of the Reds bullpen.

Ranking the Reds 40-man roster: Who is No. 1?

1. Jonathan India, Reds infielder

There will obviously be disagreements as to who the best player on the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster is, but pound-for-pound, it's Jonathan India. The 2021 NL Rookie of the Year will be looking to bounce back after a down year in 2022.

India was publicly admitted that he purposefully gained weight last season in an effort to become more of a power-hitter. The Reds infielder believes it not only hindered his performance, but contributed to his injury-riddled season a year ago.

India went down with a hamstring injury just days into his sophomore season. After what India and the coaching staff was a quick recovery, the second baseman was sidelined again a few games later. India appeared in just 103 games last season and hit .249/.327/.378.

Look for a slimmed-down, quicker version of India in 2023. India is the table-setter for manager David Bell. The 26-year-old will be batting leadoff to begin the season, and his speed and on-base percentage will be what can get the Reds on the board early in games.

Jonathan India, along with Tyler Stephenson, will take a bigger leadership in 2023. While his defense will be tested after Major League Baseball implemented a ban on the shift, India has the skillset to remain at the keystone this season.

Obviously, this list is subjective and once the 2023 season gets underway it could a number of different directions. When prospects like Christian Encarncacion-Strand, Connor Phillips, and Matt McLain work their way to the big leagues, that'll be sure to shake things up as well.