Way-too-early Reds 2024 Opening Day roster predictions

Way-too-early Reds 2024 Opening Day bullpen (8)

Alexis Diaz, Lucas Sims, Fernando Cruz, Sam Moll, Ian Gibaut, Will Smith, Phil Maton, Tejay Antone

The bullpen was drastically underrated heading into the 2023 season. Outside of former first-round pick Lucas Sims, the Reds relief corps was comprised of castoffs, late-round draft picks, prospects, and minor league free agents.

But that group rallied and kept the team in countless games last season. Expect to see some upgrades during the offseason, but at least 50-percent of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen will return in 2024.

Alexis Diaz, Lucas Sims, and Sam Moll are all locks to return next season. Diaz is the Reds bullpen ace, Sims was terrific with inherited runners, and Moll gave them a fantastic option against left-handed hitters last season.

Go ahead an pencil in Ian Gibaut and Fernando Cruz as well. Gibaut would be better served as middle reliever in 2024, and hopefully some offseason additions can make that a reality. Cruz may well have been the most underrated reliever on the Reds roster last season.

Tejay Antone is a giant question mark heading into the 2024 season, and should not be counted on. However, if the right-hander is healthy, he can be a weapon out of the Cincinnati bullpen.

If the Reds are looking to spend money this winter, adding some bullpen help should be a priority when it comes to free agent acquisitions. Both Will Smith and Phil Maton have a lot of postseason experience and could add some length to the Reds relief corps.

The Cincinnati Reds would still have relievers like Alex Young, Daniel Duarte, Casey Legumina, Lyon Richardson, and Carson Spiers at their disposal in the minor leagues. Adding Smith and Maton would give the Reds plenty of depth heading into next season.