Reds final roster cuts all but confirm Opening Day roster fans have been waiting for

While nothing is official, the Cincinnati Reds made a handful of roster cuts on Saturday afternoon that indicates which players will be part of the team's 2026 Opening Day roster when the season gets underway next Thursday.

The Reds reassigned catcher Will Banfield, outfielders JJ Bleday and Rece Hinds, and right-handed pitcher Zach Maxwell to minor-league camp. These moves signal that Cincinnati will carry left-handed pitcher as the team's final reliever and former Gold Glove Award-winner Nathaniel Lowe will soon have his contract selected.

The Reds announced their biggest move of the spring earlier this week when it was revealed that Brandon Williamson, Rhett Lowder, and Chase Burns will be part of the Opening Day roster. Though manager Terry Francona stopped short of calling it a six-man rotation, the Reds' active roster will carry six starting pitchers.

Andrew Abbott will be the Reds Opening Day starter and followed by Nick Lodolo and Brady Singer. As for the rest of the Cincinnati pitching staff, Moll will be joined by fellow relievers Emilio Pagán, Tony Santillan, Connor Phillips, Pierce Johnson, Graham Ashcraft, and Brock Burke in the Reds bullpen.

Nathaniel Lowe, Sam Moll projected to join Reds Opening Day roster

On the position player side of things, the Reds will run out the catching tandem of Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino. Lowe will join rookie Sal Stewart at first base with Matt McLain, Eugenio Suárez, Ke'Bryan Hayes, and Elly De La Cruz rounding out the rest of the Cincinnati infield.

Lowe had an opt-out in the minor-league deal he signed earlier this year, and Cincinnati will need to add him to the 40-man roster in the coming days in order to solidify his Opening Day status. In order to clear a spot, the Reds will likely place Hunter Greene on the 60-day IL. The right-hander underwent elbow surgery last week and will be out of action until July.

Bleday and Hinds were optioned to the minor leagues, meaning Cincinnati's outfield will consist of TJ Friedl, Dane Myers, Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte, and Will Benson. Bleday and Hinds put up some impressive stats this spring, and will be waiting with bated breath should an injury arise or a poor performance warrant demotion.

While the latest roster cuts signal Moll's inclusion on the Opening Day roster, the Reds will likely keep an eye on a number of impending releases that will happen over the next few days. Much like Cincinnati, other organizations are setting their rosters ahead of Opening Day, and several talents veterans and prospects could soon be unemployed.