Reds Opening Day plans could shift as Tyler Callihan nears surprising return

Tyler Callihan's gruesome injury — which occurred during his fourth career Major League game — required multiple surgeries on his forearm and wrist, ultimately ending his 2025 season on May 5.

It wasn't clear when Callihan would return, but just nine months removed from the original injury, it didn't seem as though the Cincinnati Reds were planning for him to be back by Opening Day. All offseason, they've accumulated depth in the outfield, and yet, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, the 25-year-old is ready to make his case for a roster spot on day one.

"It was definitely a long road with a lot of ups and downs. But I think it’s all ups from here. I’ve been hitting BP for about a week now, and I’ve done other practice leading up to it. I should be 100% by spring," Sheldon reported Callihan saying at RedsFest.

Tyler Callihan must work his way through a crowd to make the Reds Opening Day roster

A top-30 prospect in the organization, the Reds will take it slow with Callihan in camp and spring training. Rushing him back after such a long layoff isn't in anyone's best interest, though if he's healthy, the former third-round pick could impress a lot of onlookers during the exhibition period.

Another factor in all of this is that the Reds' outfield picture is somewhat crowded right now. TJ Friedl is a lock to start in center field whenever he's healthy, and Noelvi Marte is likely going to get the first crack at a regular role in right field after his electric first half (137 wRC+) last year.

That would leave left field open for one of Callihan, JJ Bleday, Dane Myers, Will Benson, Rece Hinds, Blake Dunn, and even top prospect Héctor Rodriguez; not to mention any further outside additions. Assuming one or two of those players that fail to win the starting gig settle into a role on the bench as a fourth/fifth outfielder, that still leaves four players without a home on the major-league roster.

It helps Callihan's case, however, that he's also played meaningful time at second and third base during his minor-league career. That kind of versatility could make him a valuable asset on Terry Francona's bench, espeically after the Reds traded Gavin Lux earlier this offseason. At the moment, the Reds have little depth behind Matt McLain at second base.

Regardless of when/ where Callihan begins his 2026 campaign, it's reassuring to hear him sound so optimistic about his recovery, and it'll be even more thrilling to see him take the field once again in spring training. Whether Callihan makes the Opening Day roster or not, he's already overcome the odds to return to the game so quickly.