Ranking every player on the Reds roster after adding Nick Martinez and Emilio Pagán

After some slick free agent additions already this offseason, who ranks as the best player on the Reds roster?

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz | Adam Hunger/GettyImages
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Ranking the Reds 40-man roster: Pursuing consistency

15. Tyler Stephenson, Reds catcher

Tyler Stephenson is entering the 2023-24 offseason at a crossroads. After his 2022 campaign was cut short, 2023 was about being healthy. Heading into 2024, the Reds will be looking for Stephenson to return to form; both at the dish and behind it.

14. Jake Fraley, Reds outfielder

Jake Fraley crushed right-handed pitching in 2023, but after landing on the IL with a toe injury, the Reds outfielder was a shell of himself. If healthy, Fraley could be an everyday player, but another injury-plagued season could see him land a lesser role on the club moving forward.

13. Nick Martinez, Reds pitcher

Nick Martinez is a ground ball pitcher, and that should play very well at Great American Ball Park. Martinez may get the opportunity to start, but could also be used out of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen. The right-hander's versatility is one of his best qualities.

12. Lucas Sims, Reds pitcher

No one in the game inherited more runners than Lucas Sims in 2023. Manager David Bell oftentimes used Sims as his stopper when strikeouts were needed. More times than not, Sims delivered. The right-hander is a fantastic bridge to closer Alexis Diaz.

11. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Reds infielder

There's a ton of hype, and rightfully so, surrouding Christian Encarnacion-Strand. But the infielder has some big shoes to fill at first base after the Cincinnati Reds declined Joey Votto's club-option. Encarnacion-Strand has the potential to hit 30-plus home runs at Great American Ball Park next season.

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