Way-too-early Reds starting lineup for 2026 will have fans dreaming big

Until teams begin making noteworthy signings and blockbuster trades, the Major League Baseball offseason is oftentimes littered with speculation and rumors. For the Cincinnati Reds, most of that speculation has centered around how to improve the starting lineup heading into next season.

Unfortunately, the Reds' payroll is unlikely to eclipse last year's $119 million cap. With so many holes in the bullpen, Cincinnati won't be able to fix its lineup through free agency alone, meaning that fans should look for the Reds to make a trade or two in order to bolster the lineup.

We're barely two weeks into the MLB offseason, but some things are already beginning to take shape. Given what we know about next year's budget and who's likely to return, let's take a way-too-early look at the Reds 2026 starting lineup.

Way-too-early Reds starting lineup for 2026

Spencer Steer, Reds first baseman

It remains to seen where Spencer Steer will line up on Opening Day, but the Gold Glove finalist put up terrific defensive numbers at first base in 2025. While it's possible that Reds fans could see Steer in left field when the season begins, for now, he's likely to make his mark at the cold corner.

Matt McLain, Reds second baseman

Matt McLain's glove kept him in the Reds lineup last season, but in order to stick around next year, his bat will have to return to its 2023 form. McLain will be two years removed from shoulder surgery once the 2026 season begins, and will have no excuse for another sub-par season. Cincinnati needs to have a contingency plan in place if McLain struggles next season.

Ke'Bryan Hayes, Reds third baseman

All eyes will be on Ke'Bryan Hayes' bat next season. The 2025 Gold Glove Award winner will surely provide elite-level defense at the hot corner, but Cincinnati cannot afford for last year's trade deadline pickup to post an OPS below .700 next season. If Hayes is able to produce just an average offensive performance in 2026, his glove offers more than enough to remain in the starting lineup as the Reds No. 9 hitter.

Elly De La Cruz, Reds shortstop

Despite the errors, the Reds are running it back with Elly De La Cruz at shortstop heading into the 2026 season. De La Cruz can't afford to have a post-All-Star lull like he did in 2025, and his late-season surge reminded Reds fans just how talented he really is. De La Cruz played in all 162 games this past season; something manager Terry Francona can't allow to happen in 2026. Tito needs to find some extra days off for his superstar next season.

Noelvi Marte, Reds right fielder

Moving Noelvi Marte to right field midway through the season looked like a desperation move at first, but it now appears that Cincinnati has their right fielder of the future. Marte rebounded from a horrid 2024 campaign, and while he still struggles with strikeouts, will be key to the Reds lineup heading into 2026.

TJ Friedl, Reds centerfielder

TJ Friedl was the Reds table-setter in 2025, and will likely lead off once again when the 2026 season gets underway. Nevertheless, much like De La Cruz, Francona cannot afford to rely so heavily on Friedl next season. The veteran outfielder was fantastic during the first-half of the 2025 season, but the wear and tear caught up to Friedl after the All-Star break.

Jo Adell, Reds left fielder

The Reds need to find an outfielder to replace Austin Hays this winter, and with a shoestring budget, Cincinnati won't be dipping into the free agent market. The best way for Cincinnati to upgrade the position would be through a trade, and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell would be a nice fit. The Halos are said to be shopping the former first-round pick, and given Reds' lack of power in 2025, acquiring a player who mashed 37 bombs last season would be a good place to start.

Tyler Stephenson, Reds catcher

Tyler Stephenson is heading into what could be his final year with the team that drafted him all the way back in 2015. Stephenson battled an early-season injury in 2025, but his power was on display upon his return. That said, Stephenson will need to correct his 34% strikeout rate if he hopes to find a home in the middle of the Reds' lineup. Fans should expect Stephenson and Jose Trevino to split time once again in 2026, but the former first-round pick should get the lion's share of starts.

Sal Stewart, Reds designated hitter

The Reds received a sneak peak of Sal Stewart in 2025 and he proved that he was up to the task. If Stewart continues to showcase his tremendous potential when Cactus League play gets underway in February, the Reds won't be able to start his season in the minor leagues. Major League Baseball's PPI incentive will surely come into the equation as well, meaning that Stewart is almost a lock to break camp with the Reds next season.