3 Reds position battles that will come down to the wire this spring

3. Reds spring training position battle: Fifth starter

This has been the position battle to watch throughout Reds spring training. Let's go ahead hand Luis Cessa one of the five spots in the Cincinnati rotation. The right-hander started several games over the final month-plus of last season and has looked sharp this spring. Cessa is currently playing for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

So, with Cessa, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft all slated to begin the 2023 season in the rotation, that leaves one position left to fill. There are no shortage of candidates looking to secure that final spot.

Luke Weaver has been rather unimpressive this spring. While he was the odds-on favorite to lockdown the fifth starter spot prior to Reds spring training, he's not done enough to hang on to it thus far.

Brandon Williamson has looked very good this spring. He's had his fair share of hiccups, but the lanky lefty from Minnesota looks the part. Williamson will be in contention for a spot on Opening Day roster until the final week of Reds spring training.

Levi Stoudt had pitched very well until his last outing and is probably out of contention for the final spot in the rotation. But Chase Anderson looked very good in his first start and will be seeking a return to the Reds 40-man roster.

Finally, there's Connor Overton. The right-hander has looked awful this spring and may not even break camp with the Redlegs. Look for Overton's slow start to see him begin the 2023 season back in Triple-A Louisville.