Reds 2026 lineup projection looks very different after recent roster additions

The Cincinnati Reds made a couple of transactions over the weekend, and fans are starting to piece together the roster puzzle. Cincinnati signed former first-round draft pick JJ Bleday and traded for Miami Marlins outfielder Dane Myers. Fans should expect to see at least one of those players in the Reds lineup every day.

While both Bleday and Myers have their flaws, together they could form a reliable platoon in the Reds outfield. It's unknown where the Reds' newest additions might lineup defensively, though both have experience in center field and manager Terry Francona has spoken about the need to give TJ Friedl more time off in 2026.

The Reds might not be done adding to their roster this offseason, but the acquisitions of Bleday and Myers may have solidified the front office's upgrades to the lineup heading into next season. Nick Krall has been consistent in his desire to keep adding bullpen arms this winter, and with the Reds' shoestring budget, that may be where he plans spend the remainder of the team's resources this offseason.

Reds 2026 lineup projection after adding Dane Myers and JJ Bleday

If the Reds don't make any blockbuster trades between now and Opening Day, one can expect the trio of Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Noelvi Marte to be in the lineup almost every single day. While McLain struggled mightily in 2025, the hope is that he'll bounce back in 2026 now that he's two full years removed from shoulder surgery. De La Cruz will get some days off next season, and the Reds are hoping for big things from Marte in 2026.

Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino will continue to rotate behind the plate. Stephenson is going into his walk-year and could be poised for a big season if he can stay off the injured list. Trevino came out of the gates red-hot to begin the 2025 season, but faded once he began to log more starts while Stephenson was on the IL with an oblique injury.

Ke'Bryan Hayes — the Reds' midseason acquisition from the Pittsburgh Pirates — played Gold Glove defense in 2025, but his bat is subpar. The Reds have hinted that Sal Stewart could spell Hayes at the hot corner from time to time next season, but the slick-fielding third baseman is likely to get the lion's share of starts there in 2026.

Spencer Steer will be the wild card next season. The Reds are planning to deploy their Gold Glove finalist all over the diamond in 2026. While he's well suited to play first base, Reds fans won't be shocked to see Steer lineup at second base or even left field. If Stewart breaks camp with the big league club, he's likely to see time at first base and DH.

With Marte likely the only constant in the Reds outfield next season, look for Friedl, Myers, Bleday, and maybe Will Benson to split time between both center and left field. Gavin Lux could see time in left field as well, but is best suited to be the Reds' DH when a right-handed pitcher is on the bump.

Players like Héctor Rodríguez, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Blake Dunn will also be fighting for playing time next season, but if the Reds don't make any other major moves this winter, their lineup might be all but set heading into Opening Day.

These additions don't bring much thump to the Reds lineup — something they were lacking in 2025. It would seem, however, that Francona and Krall are banking on a power-surge from De La Cruz and Steer, a bounce back year from McLain, and a breakout season from one of Stewart or Marte. While all those things are possible, it's quite the gamble, and is unlikely to sit well with the Cincinnati faithful.