Projecting Reds 2026 Opening Day roster before spring training reveals hard truths

In just a couple of weeks, pitchers and catchers will report to Goodyear, Arizona, and by the middle of next month, the entire Cincinnati Reds roster will be in attendance for the team's first full squad workout.

The front office's inability to land a big-time bat this winter has some within the fanbase rather frustrated, but most of Reds Country is excited and are hoping to see the club build off last year's success — a season that included a return to the MLB Postseason.

Nick Krall and Cincinnati's top decision-makers still have time to surprise the fans with a major trade or free agent signing, but if everything remains mostly unchanged between now and the start of spring training, what might the Reds 2026 Opening Day roster look like?

Projecting Reds 2026 Opening Day roster before spring training begins

Reds Opening Day starting lineup (9)

Tyler Stephenson (C), Spencer Steer (1B), Matt McLain (2B), Elly De La Cruz (SS), Ke'Bryan Hayes (3B) , JJ Bleday (LF), TJ Friedl (CF), Noelvi Marte (RF), Sal Stewart (DH)

For the most part, the Reds Opening Day lineup is all but set — especially when it comes to the infield. Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Ke'Bryan Hayes are mortal locks to be on the field against the Boston Red Sox on March 26.

Steer could see some time in left field during the upcoming season, but given his Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base, fans should expect to see him spend most of the time on the infield. The Reds added JJ Bleday this winter, and he'll likely be the team's starting left fielder against right-handed pitching. TJ Friedl will be the Reds starting centerfielder, and Noelvi Marte is set to begin his first full season as an outfielder in right.

If Sal Stewart steps into the role that most within the organization expect, he'll surely break camp with the big league club and share reps with Steer (1B) and Hayes (3B) while also logging time at DH. Though the Reds and Tyler Stephenson have yet to agree on a salary for the 2026 season, he'll be the team's Opening Day backstop.

Reds Opening Day bench (4)

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Will Benson, Rece Hinds, Jose Trevino

After trading Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati needs a capable middle infielder to play behind McLain and De La Cruz. At the moment, the Reds' top in-house candidate to fill that role is Tyler Callihan.

Cincinnati can't feel too confident given the fact that Callihan is returning to the field following a catastrophic injury last season and has just four games of Major League experience under his belt. Look for the Reds to find a vet — either through free agency or a trade — and Isiah Kiner-Falefa fits the type of high-contact bat the coaching staff loves.

Will Benson can cover all three outfield spots, and could be an invaluable piece for Cincinnati in 2026. The Reds added Dane Myers during the offseason, but without any power to speak of, perhaps Rece Hinds will edge him out for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Veteran backstop Jose Trevino will be the backup catcher in 2026.

Reds Opening Day starting rotation (5)

Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer, Rhett Lowder

The Reds starting rotation really comes down to one question — who'll be the team's fifth starter? Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Brady Singer (if he's not traded) will comprise four of the five arms set to open the season in the rotation in 2026.

The last spot is up for grabs, and Rhett Lowder may have the inside track. Most fans expect a spirited competition between Lowder and Chase Burns, but Brandon Williamson shouldn't be overlooked. Jose Franco, Julian Aguiar, and Chase Petty will all receive a shot as well, with this likely being the most hotly contested position battle in camp.

Reds Opening Day bullpen (8)

Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan, Emilio Pagán, Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguson (L), Brock Burke (L), Connor Phillips, Anthony Misiewicz (L)

The Reds lost a lot of innings from their bullpen this past offseason. Brent Suter, Nick Martinez, and Scott Barlow all became free agents this winter, which created a need for Cincinnati's front office to restock the relief corps. Krall and Co. signed Caleb Ferguson and Pierce Johnson, and traded for Brock Burke, and in doing so transformed a perceived weakness into a strength.

Emilio Pagán will be return in 2026 and is hoping to build off his success as the Reds closer last season. Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft should return to their respective roles, and Connor Phillips showed enough in 2025 to warrant a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster. For now, let's give the last spot to Anthony Misiewicz, but Zach Maxwell, Luis Mey, and Tejay Antone could be in the hunt as well.

Have the Reds done enough this offseason to build off of last season's success? Is the bullpen good enough to survive the rigors of a 162-game season? Is another infielder needed? What about the lack of power? The answer to these questions and more will be known in the coming weeks. Spring training has a way of revealing some hard truths before Opening Day.