Reds 2023 Opening Day roster projection

CINCINNATI -- As the start of Spring Training is nearly upon us, there's no better time to try making roster predictions for the Reds, and Cincinnati has several spots open for competition.

Here is my first attempt at predicting the Reds' 26-man roster on Opening Day.

Catcher (3): Tyler Stephenson, Curt Casali, Luke Maile
Stephenson returns after injuries limited him to 50 games in 2022. For extra protection, Cincinnati will carry three catchers, adding veterans Casali and Maile to help him and the young rotation. Having the extra backup is expected to enable Stephenson to stay fresh and in the lineup more often, either at catcher, designated hitter or first base.

First base (1): Joey Votto
This isn't a lock, because Votto is still working his way back from major left shoulder surgery. The club will know more about the 39-year-old's timetable once camp opens. But if anybody can do the work to get ready for what could be his final Opening Day in Cincinnati, it's Votto. If he's not ready, Wil Myers would likely shift from right field since he has the most experience at first base.

Second base (1): Jonathan India
Injuries hampered India throughout his sophomore season while limiting him to 103 games. It definitely affected his play on both sides of the game. The new rules against the shift will definitely test his range, but a healthy India should be a boost at the top of the Reds' lineup.

Shortstop (1): Kevin Newman
Jose Barrero is the leading candidate for the job, and if he can prove his offseason adjustments will lead to consistent hitting, the job likely is his. But since this is a pre-Spring Training prediction, let's take a chance here. Barrero has a Minor League option, and Newman -- a veteran acquired from the Pirates -- can do enough offensively and defensively to hold down the spot.

Third base (1): Spencer Steer
A September call-up last season, Steer admitted he tried to do too much during his first month in the big leagues. With that out of the way, the path is wide open here for him to earn a starting spot. Non-roster invite Jason Vosler is likely the chief competition.

Outfielders (4): Wil Myers, Jake Fraley, Nick Senzel, TJ Friedl
Cincinnati's biggest free-agent addition during a relatively quiet offseason, Myers will be looking for a rebound season after a down year in San Diego. He hasn't hit 30 homers since 2017 with the Padres, but he could get a boost from playing in the much smaller Great American Ball Park. The biggest question mark here is Senzel, who spent his offseason recovering from left big toe surgery. Friedl and his lefty bat could start in center field if Senzel isn't ready.

DH/bench/utility (2): Chad Pinder, Nick Solak
The Reds will rotate the designated hitter spot among many regulars and their bench. Since they will carry three catchers, versatility will be even more crucial for remaining role players. Pinder, a non-roster invite, has played every position except for catcher. Solak has played second base, third base, first base, left field and center field.

Starting pitchers (5): Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, Luis Cessa, Luke Weaver
Barring injuries, there are two open spots in the rotation up for battle. Cessa and Weaver offer veteran experience behind the top three, who are all going into their sophomore seasons. Connor Overton could break into this group with a strong spring, however.

Relief pitchers (8): Alexis Díaz, Lucas Sims, Buck Farmer, Reiver Sanmartin, Tony Santillan, Fernando Cruz, Justin Dunn, Alex Young
Díaz gives the club a legitimate closer for the first time in a couple of years. Farmer posted a 2.83 ERA in 34 games after being designated for assignment and working his way back on to the club. Sims was limited to only six games in 2022 because of a back injury, and Santillan missed the final 99 games, also because of a back injury. Santillan, who moved from the rotation to the bullpen last season, demonstrated that he could handle high-leverage situations. Cruz debuted as a 32-year-old rookie in September and impressed.

With Tejay Antone (right flexor) not expected for the start of the season, another spot has opened. Dunn, who had shoulder issues the past two seasons, will compete for the rotation, but some in the club feel he could profile best as a reliever. Young is an NRI, but he would give the bullpen a second lefty.