Way-too-early Cincinnati Reds 2023 Opening Day roster predictions

Cincinnati Reds 2023 Opening Day starting rotation (5)

Hunter Greene (RHP), Nick Lodolo (LHP), Graham Ashcraft (RHP), Connor Overton (RHP), Luis Cessa (RHP)

Who will be the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day starter next season? The smart money would suggest that it'll be a tossup between Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. The Reds rookies both had very impressive showing during the 2022 season and the pair look to be key piece of the rotation moving forward.

Graham Ashcraft may have something to say about being the Reds Opening Day starter as well. The right-hander surprised a lot of folks in 2022 and showed flashes of brilliance at times. He also had his struggles, but Ashcraft is the type of hurler who's going to pitch to contact and isn't afraid to after opposing batters. The 2023 season could be huge for Ashcraft going forward.

Mike Minor will not have his team-option picked up by the Cincinnati Reds and it seems somewhat unlikely that Chase Anderson will return as well. Still, there may be need for the Reds to sign a veteran starter or two during the offseason, but Cincinnati has some internal candidates as well.

While Connor Overton was technically a rookie last season, the right-hander is 29 years old. Luis Cessa pitched well as a starter last season as well and should be in the mix for a spot in the rotation.

Brandon Williamson will be added to the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster during the offseason, but looking at his numbers at Triple-A this past season would suggest that the left-hander has some areas of his game to work on. Williamson will be in the mix to join the starting rotation next season, but should begin the year at Triple-A.