What does the Reds 40-man roster look like after declining Joey Votto's option?

For the first time in 17 years, Joey Votto will not be on the Reds 40-man roster

For the first time since 2007, Joey Votto will not be part of the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster. As for first base, that's a position that will likely fall to second-year infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand, though Spencer Steer could see some time there as well.

The entire Reds infield entering next season could be comprised of first and second year players. As the offseason moves along, the Reds front office will need to make decisions surrounding the likes of Jonathan India, Jose Barrero, and Nick Senzel.

The middle infield looks to be on lockdown for the foreseeable future. After a terrific rookie season, the Reds have big plans for Matt McLain moving forward. Whether playing shortstop or second base, the former first-round pick has a home on the Reds infield.

Elly De La Cruz burst onto the scene, but fizzled out down the stretch. However, the talent is certainly there. De La Cruz has game-changing speed and looks to be central figure on the Reds infield heading into 2024.

Finally, there was Noelvi Marte. The former Seattle Mariners farmhand spent most of last season in the minors, but a late-season call-up allowed the third baseman to showcase his vast array of talents. Marte's rookie status will still be intact heading into next season.

Infielders (8): Jonathan India, Spencer Steer, Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, Jose Barrero, Nick Senzel, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand

The Reds 40-man roster is loaded with left-handed hitting outfielders

Many fans probably don't remember this, but Joey Votto actually spent time in the outfield during his career with the Cincinnati Reds. Votto played left field on six occasions during the 2007 season and also logged one-third of an inning in left field during the 2019 season.

Votto, a left-handed hitter in his own right, will now cede his stature as the best left-handed bat in the Reds lineup to one of the many left-handed hitting outfielders. Jake Fraley, Will Benson, TJ Friedl, and Nick Martini all hit from the left side of the batters' box.

But the Reds have some right-handed hitters on the outfield grass as well. TJ Hopkins, Stuart Fairchild, and the recently acquired Bubba Thompson all hit from the right side.

One thing Votto was not known for during his time with the Cincinnati Reds was speed. However, the Reds outfield has plenty of burners. According to Baseball Savant, Benson, Hopkins, Friedl, Fraley, and Fairchild all posted a sprint speed above 28.0 feet per second.

If there's one area among the group of position players on the Cincinnati Reds roster that may receive a facelift this offseason, it could be the outfield. Only Harrison Bader is entering free agency and no longer on the 40-man roster.

Outfielders (7): TJ Friedl, Stuart Fairchild, Jake Fraley, Will Benson, TJ Hopkins, Bubba Thompson, Nick Martini

With Joey Votto no longer on the Reds 40-man roster, Lucas Sims is now the longest-tenured player

Joey Votto had been the longest-tenured member of the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster for quite some time. But that honor now falls to Lucas Sims who joined the team in 2018.

While Reiver Sanmartin, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft are all still technically on the 60-day injured list, that trio of hurlers will soon be reactivated and count toward the 40-man roster.

The starting rotation has a lot of question marks entering the offseason. In addition to Lodolo and Ashcraft, the group of starters includes Hunter Greene, Connor Phillips, Carson Spiers, Brandon Williamson, Andrew Abbott, Levi Stoudt, and Lyon Richardson.

The relief corps is down one man after Buck Farmer officially entered free agency. But in addition to the aforementioned Lucas Sims, Daniel Duarte, Alexis Diaz, Tejay Antone, Alex Young, Sam Moll, Derek Law, Ian Gibaut, Casey Legumina, and Fernando Cruz round out the bullpen.

This is an area during the offseason that could see a lot of turnover. The Reds have already removed pitchers like Connor Overton and Justin Dunn from the 40-man roster, and more cuts could be on the way later this offseason.

Look for a few additions and subtractions as the Hot Stove season heats up. Cincinnati may look to upgrade both the rotation and the bullpen through free agency or trades this offseason.

Pitchers (20): Lucas Sims, Daniel Duarte, Hunter Greene, Brandon Williamson, Nick Lodolo, Casey Legumina, Ian Gibaut, Tejay Antone, Andrew Abbott, Connor Phillips, Alex Young, Reveir Sanmartin, Alexis Diaz, Carson Spiers, Sam Moll, Lyon Richardson, Derek Law, Levi Stoudt, Graham Ashcraft, Fernando Cruz