The Cincinnati Reds have announced their 26-man roster for the first round of the playoffs. Worth noting that with each round a team can alter their playoff roster. Here’s what it will look like against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the National League Wild Card Series.
| Pitchers | Role | Players | Role |
| Hunter Greene | Starter | Tyler Stephenson | Catcher |
| Zack Littell | Starter | Jose Trevino | Catcher |
| Andrew Abbott | Starter | Elly De La Cruz | Infielder |
| Brent Suter | Reliever | Ke’Bryan Hayes | Infielder |
| Chase Burns | Reliever | Matt McLain | Infielder |
| Connor Phillips | Reliever | Sal Stewart | Infielder |
| Emilio Pagan | Reliever | Santiago Espinal | Infielder |
| Graham Ashcraft | Reliever | Spencer Steer | Infielder |
| Nick Lodolo | Reliever | Austin Hays | Outfielder |
| Nick Martinez | Reliever | Gavin Lux | Outfielder |
| Scott Barlow | Reliever | Miguel Andujar | Outfielder |
| Tony Santillan | Reliever | Noelvi Marte | Outfielder |
| TJ Friedl | Outfielder | ||
| Will Benson | Outfielder |
Cincinnati’s 26-man roster for the 3-game series in Los Angeles against the Dodgers is the 28-man roster that they ended the season with, but without Brady Singer and Zach Maxwell.
Singer not making the roster isn’t entirely surprising. He started the game on Sunday in Milwaukee against the Brewers. It was a possibility that he could have pitched in relief during the series, but that could have made things more difficult for Cincinnati if they advanced to the next round of the playoffs and what they could have done with their rotation.
Zach Maxwell not making the roster is both surprising and not surprising. The triple-digit fastball can certainly play. So can the breaking ball. But his inconsistency with the strikezone can be a real problem. But it also seemed that there wasn’t much trust in him from the coaching staff down the stretch. The last time he pitched was on September 16th when he threw a perfect inning against St. Louis. He didn’t pitch in any of the final 11 games that Cincinnati played in.
The Reds will get on the field tonight at Dodger Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 9:08pm ET. If you plan to watch the game you will need to tune in to ESPN for the broadcast. If you are more of a radio listener then turn that dial to 700 WLW to hear the game.
Thanks for the info, Doug. Maxwell and Luis Mey seemed to have the same issue this year – great fastballs with not great control. Hope to see them both on the roster next year and killing it in the BP with proved accuracy, PITCHING instead of THROWING.
OR at least one of them is part of a package for a big bat. I mean, it COULD happen 8D
People need to stop with this idea that just because a guy doesn’t have good control that they are “throwing” and not “pitching”.
Some guys just aren’t athletic enough to repeat their mechanics to have that consistency. History is littered with guys who couldn’t throw strikes. It’s not because they all just tried to throw the ball through a mountain.
Lol, like either one of them has any sort of trade value that could return a big bat.
101 mph sinkers don’t grow on trees. Mey could be a valuable add-on, but Reds don’t pay for established big bats. We get guys that used to be a big bat like Moose or valuable at some point in the past
I’m not saying no one would sign them if they could, but no one is going to give up a productive big league hitter for an unproven relief pitcher with no control.
I don’t see Espinal. Hinds would have given them some speed and pop off the bench.
No real surprises on the roster.
I am not surprised that Santiago Espinal made the roster. But he shouldn’t have. Could have gone in a thousand directions with his roster spot but they kept him there to be the 2nd backup at 4 different positions instead of having Blake Dunn as a pinch runner which feels far more valuable than having a guy being the 3rd string shortstop/second baseman/third baseman/19th outfielder.
I would have preferred Dunn over Espinal, too. Pinch running and late inning outfield defense would add a bit to the Reds roster and sometimes games come down to the little things.
He could run for a catcher late in the game, but since we don’t steal bases, they can just let Espy do the same thing.
Has Dunn even been doing baseball activities since their season ended?
I have not seen a list of players who are “staying ready,” but Charlie Goldsmith stated in an article today that the Reds have a group of minor league players who are working out just in case they are needed. I would guess that Dunn is among that group.
Espinal should start at 2B tonight until they go righty and then Lux comes on. Its painful watching McLain’s confidence erode to the point where he has zero recognition of the zone. Espy is also 4 for 6 in the playoffs. Experience matters
Espinal has been very quiet with the bat for a little while now, but he also has not gotten very many opportunities either. He does play a lot of positions with pretty solid defense. I don’t mind having him on the bench to pinch hit, or pinch run, or play for defensive purposes.
I’m sure people will just say I’m wrong though. That’s fine you have your opinion I have mine. I like Espinal as a bench player.
ps. These are the kind of players that make the play of a game or get that hit that no one expected and become the MVP of the game.
He has value as a backup. But then he started playing every day.
Now he’s a backup to the backups, and basically just a multi injury insurance plan in a 3 game series.
After the Reds beat the Dodgers, he will go when they add Singer.
Once the Reds added Hayes, Espinal became somewhat redundant as he is no better than third string at any position. That said, Espinal is a good bench player and his spot is the fourteenth of fourteen position players, so it’s likely not a huge deal.
IT seems Espinal is not necessary in this series…he would be used only to defend lately in the game…maybe a wasted spot …
McLain should have been left out. Has done very little and appears totally beaten down
I am torn on McLain. He has been hitting a little better the last month of the season and has some good defensive skills. He truly is going to have to show something in the playoffs and in spring training in order to remain the team’s starting second baseman. The shoulder injury I’m sure has been a big contribution to his much-reduced stats this year.
Agreed. .193 average and .550 ops on the road.
2 hits, both singles, in L.A. this season.
Those are terrible numbers. Biggest disappointment on this Reds team in 2025. And his struggles are a result of extremely poor pitch and zone recognition. He shows zero signs of improvement. Playing time should be earned by on field results. His results suck.
Matt McLain has been tough to watch this season, however, he has been with the team all season and I think should be on the play off roster. I don’t think he should be starting. He can contribute as a defensive replacement.
His value is his defense–something Francona and the Reds Front Office highly value. According to Baseball Savant, his Fielding Run Value (their most comprehensive metric) trails only Hayes’ work at 3B. Given his continued playing time, I doubt the Reds seriously considered dropping McLain. In fact, I bet he starts tonight.
I don’t disagree, but I keep waiting to see the McClain from two years ago. Maybe he will show up for this series.
2025 Sprint Speed:
https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/sprint_speed?min_season=2024&max_season=2025&position=&team=113&min=0
Considering how slow several of our guys are we probably could have used a pinch runner at least.
This is more accurate only for 2025. The last one included 2024:
https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/sprint_speed?min_season=2025&max_season=2025&position=&team=113&min=0
Agreed.
I think the bigger issue with Dunn is he was pretty bad the few times he came up in the Big Leagues, and I feel like maybe he even made a few mental errors on the basepaths if I remember correctly, or in the field.
I can’t imagine throwing him into a playoff series all of a sudden with so little success or experiences just because he’s fast. The speed would be good to have, I agree, but I don’t think Francona would trust him with that little experience.
Dunn on the positive side I think could be like Connor Phillips. More time in the minors, more confidence, maybe he comes up next year and is ready for the Majors.
@Jeremiah, you are likely right. Espinal has playoff experience, while Dunn has little MLB experience. I still would prefer Dunn–these guys have been playing baseball for a long time, but I understand why Francona and the Front Office might view things differently. Francona has a ton of playoff experience–making these decisions and getting them right is why he was hired.
Espinal should probably starting at second tonight. He fields as well as McLain and is hitting better right now. Espinal also has a better offensive history than Dunn at MLB level.
No surprises here. However, I am disappointed they didn’t add another true outfielder with a set of good, fast legs. What with Andujar being slow and A.Hays seeming to be much less than whole. Those faster legs could make a difference as a pinch runner for either of the aforementioned guys or a catcher with the game on the line.
Agree!
Interesting that an organization supposedly dedicated to defense and speed sold out to slugging over both in their roster.
I’ll be curious if any of the reporters ask about the 26-man roster. Retaining Espinal seems to bring little marginal value to the roster whereas Dunn would have improved the team’s outfield defense and speed. It’s not like Espinal needed to be DFA’d to make the change at this point either–he could have stayed ready to fill in for an injured player.
This roster makes sense with Singer throwing 71 pitches on Sunday. Also means IF the Reds were to win, Singer might be game 1 starter against the Phillies Saturday.
Any updates on the health of Austin Hays? He’s obviously healthy enough to be on the roster but hasnt played the field since september 20 and perhaps just a bench bat. With Andujar entrenched at DH, that would seem to take that option away. Do we see Steer in LF, Sal at first base and Andujar at DH in the lineup?
I am curious too about the lineup. Can’t wait for it to get released. I saw an interview with Tito that they are just going day to day with Hays because some days he feels better than others. He is going to need to work on his back strength this offseason if he wants to get a decent contract. Teams tend to shy away from back injuries due to them being unpredictable.
Espinal over Maxwell is the right move. Not sure where the idea that Blake Dunn would be on the roster ahead of Espinal is coming from. Granted neither of them is a star (or even serviceable, really) but Dunn hasn’t cracked the mlb roster in a while and has never shown anything. At least Espinal gives better flexibility to get Stewart’s bat into the mix in spots.
Will be fun let’s go reds!
Espinal has limitations offensively, but he’s a veteran with a professional approach and won’t freak out under pressure. Good guy to have at your disposal.
Dunn’s sprint speed per Baseball Savant is in the 95+ percentile range. That could play huge as a pinch runner for probably anyone on the Reds, except if EDLC is healthy enough to use his overdrive gear (he is also in the 95+ percentile range). Dunn had 24 stolen bases against 3 caught stealing at AAA this year. He can cover all 3 outfield positions.
He is the type of add-on piece typically added to a playoff roster as a 26th man.
It would be kind of professional slap in the face to Espinal who has been with the Reds all season long. If somebody gets hurt, he can play 2nd, 3rd, maybe SS in a pinch (although if Elly got hurt, McLain would probably slide over and play SS, and Espinal would play 2nd).
Dunn indeed did get a look early in the season, but then went down.
He ended up having a pretty good year at AAA level. I would not have a problem if Dunn or Hinds had been added to the roster, but at the expense of…who?
Benson is the only legitimate backup to Friedl in CF, Marte in RF, and Benson has had good hitting success against the Dodgers, whatever that could mean. And I guess Hays (no e) and Andujar are “day to day”.
“If you plan to watch the game you will need to tune in to ESPN for the broadcast. If you are more of a radio listener then turn that dial to 700 WLW to hear the game”.
I chose the third option. I decided to go to the game. Found a decent seat for a decent price. Playoff parking however seems to for some unknowable reason is $70 and up. I chose the $70 option but have to get comfortable shoes as walking from the north pole is a challenge.
Have fun, and bring us back a win!
Don’t know where you live or or staying, but what about the buses directly to Dodger Stadium from Union Terminal and other locations, some of them park and ride??
Will be interesting to see how many Reds fans are in attendance.
Bring us a win!!
I’ll be there as well. Coming in from NorCal and plan on taking the tram from the airport to Chinatown. Will grab a beer before at Highland Park. Still a bit of a walk from there but not terrible. If you want to meet up with a fellow RLNer, lmk
My Brother is going to be there as well rooting on the Reds. He said the prices weren’t too bad, I think around 50 a ticket where he was sitting.
That price on parking is ridiculous! I wonder if the Reds play in Cincy a playoff game, or during the last Bengals playoff games, do they jack up Parking prices like 50% or so for the playoffs?
I was in Cincy last year for some Red’s games.
The Swifty tour was in town at the same time.
Parking was $50-$60.
Supply/Demand
The good news is that it is very unlikely these roster moves will have any effect. Perhaps the very slightly surprising news is that they didn’t go with Dunn or Hinds since each has a very specific and useful skill which Espinal doesn’t offer. Still, extremely likely that this won’t matter at all.
PS – as for Hinds, is he injured/rehab/done until spring?
If any media folks know about Hinds’ health, I’ve not been able to locate it online.
Charlie Goldsmith posted yesterday that the Reds had a “stay ready” group (his quotes) working out, but did not say who or where.
$70 for parking is robbery. Enjoy the game!
Gotta pay some of those inflated salaries.
Too bad we can’t defer these payments like the Dodgers are Ohtani’s salary.
I am so darn proud of this team. I’m so excited to watch the game tonight. If the Reds don’t win a game in the postseason I will still be proud of them. Go Redlegs!!
Absolutely! They showed real grit and moxie sticking together and doing what they needed to do to make a postseason push. It’s a new start and challenge in L.A.
Go Reds!
Me too. Hopefully, at the least 2025 will be a learning experience for their emerging core guys to make them better prepared when they return in the very near future.
After reading what Jim Bowden said. I realize the Reds are under no pressure here. Their payroll is no where near the Dodgers. They aren’t expected to win, heck even compete if you believe social media. All pressure is on the Dodgers!!
Go Reds
To the midwits who partake deeply of “Social Media”, the games are played on the field, not on the internet. Whoever “shouts” loudest, and I would guess that there are more social media types that are armchair Dodger fans than Reds fans.
Either Snell or Greene could actually be “overpowering” tonight. Or it could be a 9 -6 game by the time it’s over.
Yes, over the years, we’ve seen plenty of “pitchers’ duels” devolve into slugging matches. What will be, will be.
Lets keep the Reds playoff dominance over the Dodgers going!
Skubal has been pretty much lights out today in Cleveland. 14 strikeouts and counting. 2-1 game though.
Wow. Cleveland blew it. RamÃrez gets to 3rd on an error to start the inning. Then gets thrown out being too aggressive on a grounder back to the pitcher. Detroit wins 2-1. What a game. Skubal so good.
Only the Reds fail to score runners from 3rd…or so I’ve heard.
Padres just did it too.
Ha!
I missed that on the Padres. Had to check out after the 5th when the Cubs jacked back to back homers to take the 2-1 lead. The Cubs had done nothing through 4.
Checking back in on the bottom of the 7th and holy cow does Mason Miller just sling completely filthy pitches. He’s one of the best in the MLB. He’s phenomenal.
I think that must mean the sky is falling, VaRedsFan. or else the Reds’ ailment is spreading to other teams.
What’s up with Suter according to BR he last pitched 9-16.
He’s not good?
Since August 1st he had an ERA of 9.00 and gave up 28 hits in 17 innings.
I was shocked to see him on the playoff roster.
Suter has been between good and very good pretty much every year of his baseball career. I wouldn’t let 2 bad months of relief pitching, small sample size lead me to say he’s “not good”.
I think he could be an asset against the Dodgers lefty-heavy lineup.
Love some of these comments.
He’s been a very productive lefty out of the bullpen for a long time. Pitchers struggle. As shockingly difficult that may be to comprehend. He’s a veteran that I’d trust to shake it off and produce when needed.
Moll last 8 appearances at AAA
9.2 IP
2 H
0 R
1 BB
6 K
Ohtani 1-10 off him
Freeman 0-2
He asked why Suter hadn’t pitched in two weeks. The reason seems obvious to me. He’s been very bad for two months.
You got to let him on the post season roster after that Dance he did after clinching!
@VA, wow! Watched the Bats all season but had no clue Moll was that dominant down the stretch. He would have been a marvelous lefty addition to the pen for this series.
This game in Cleveland has been a fun follow. So glad I’m not a fan of either team because I’d be chewing through my fingers. Nails would have been long gone.
combined 5 walks and 28 strikeouts; Tigers win 2-1 with Guardians giving up 2 unearned runs
I think Austin Hays is the biggest question mark I have. I assume he’s healthy enough to pinch hit, maybe play the field? Espinal has barely played for a while, so it seems like a limited bench in a way. But this is the team they had all year, so I understand if sticking with it, if they are healthy.
lineup posted:
Friedl CF
Marte, N RF
Andujar DH
Hays LF
Steer 1B
De La Cruz, E SS
Stephenson, T C
Hayes 3B
McLain, M 2B
Once again, no Sal Stewart. What a joke. The kid is probably the best hitter on the team. I get defense, but his offense is so much better than the drop off in defense from Hayes. It’s not as though Stewart is horrible at 3rd. Stewart led the team in HR’s in September in his few chances, but Tito still sits him. Yet, he’s start a bad defensive Lux in the field so he can get his subpar bat in the lineup. Real head-shaker.
I don’t see Lux in the lineup tonight.
Do you?
I’m glad you used the “probably,” Chris.
It’s important the Reds score first since it’s a short series and, of course, it’s the Dodgers. A strong outing from Hunter Greene combined with a majority of Reds in scoring position across the plate will get it done.
All the pressure is on the Dodgers. And postseason baseball is low scoring, so we’re used to it. And no one gave us a chance against Oakland in 1990. And Steve Garvey and Davey Lopes played for the Dodgers. And Valenzuela stole Tom Seaver’s Cy Young. I guess what I’m saying is: Go Reds!
Don’t kid yourself. There is pressure on everyone in that Reds dugout.
+10000000
This is exactly what I would’ve done. The 28 guys they couldn’t kill, minus the one who started Sunday and the rawest relief pitcher. Don’t rock the boat.
It’s a good lineup except for McLain. Unfortunate that we’re facing a lefty in game 1, I think Lux would be fired up and comfortable to play in LA.
Probably should have considered Espinal as the primary 2B platoon guy, starting a few weeks ago. McLain brings nothing in the field that Espinal can’t, and Espinal can’t be worse at the plate.
But, maybe McLain will luck into a long ball on a mistake pitch. Would probably need to be a mistake changeup right over the plate, though.
Look at their stats. Espinal is, in fact, worse at the plate than McLain.
You are mostly correct except for batting average. McLain is hitting .220 this year, Espinal is hitting .243. Similar OBPs. Espinal has the better career batting average as well. And Espinal’s career OPS+, while weak, is way better than McLain’s OPS+ this year. Espinal has been hampered by long bouts of sitting on the bench. Which is why I wouldn’t necessarily start him now, I would have given him time to get back into the swing of things a few weeks ago. Otherwise I think Tito has been pushing mostly the right buttons.
MM did have a bad year hitting but then so did Marte in 2024 and it seems has successfully turned the corner in 2025.
Hopefully MM can figure out his hitting next year also.
Look at their stats. Espinal is, in fact, worse at the plate than McLain.
It’s the playoffs and everybody has a clean slate. Guys come out of nowhere and have a good or great post season. Maybe Matt McLain is that guy. Maybe Benson. Maybe Hayes. Either way they are in the playoffs and you can’t ask for more than that. ESPN has Snell and the Dodgers at a 65/35 % to win the game. Kind of a slap in the face to Greene.
I’m not feeling anxious … we’ve far exceeded expectations and we have at times played the Trolley Dodgers pretty well. Maybe we see that tonight.
First ever October game for many of the Boyz. Play loose and play hard. We’ll love you no matter what.
It will probably be October when the game’s over, but it’s starting in September.
Someone remind me, who the last team the Reds beat to advance in the playoffs was?
I would love to be proud of this team for staying scrappy till the end but the truth is they really didnt. They just did not melt down as bad as the Mets. The beauty of it is that it doesnt matter now, they are in the tourney and have a legit punchers chance with their pitching. I will not be surprised if they win the series or if they go scoreless in the series. I cant wait to find out.
Apologies can be sent to:
McLain, M.
100 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH