Monday was the first day that there was an official on the field workout for the position players in Goodyear, Arizona at the Cincinnati Reds spring training complex. The infielders who are likely going to be playing most seem to be set as long as everyone is healthy. Tyler Stephenson is going to be the catcher, Sal Stewart’s going to be at first base, Matt McLain is going to be at second base, Ke’Bryan Hayes is going to be at third base, and Elly De La Cruz is going to be at shortstop. Eugenio Suarez will be the designated hitter. The backup catcher will be Jose Trevino, and he’ll get plenty of time behind the plate. Spencer Steer might wind up playing around the infield at times, and he’ll also probably get some time in the outfield now that his arm appears to be healthy.
Something that the Reds don’t seem to have heading into spring training this year is someone in the role that Santiago Espinal has served in over the past few seasons with the club – a back up around the infield. It seems that the plan for now is that the backups at first base will be Spencer Steer and Eugenio Suarez, the backup at second base could be Sal Stewart or Spencer Steer, the backup at shortstop is going to be Matt McLain, and at third base the team could look at Steer, Suarez, or Stewart.
When it comes to players who could factor into the infield when it comes to the bench three players at least warrant a little bit of discussion. Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Tyler Callihan are both on the 40-man roster, and then there’s non-roster invitee Nathaniel Lowe who just signed last week.
The problem for Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Nathaniel Lowe is the same one for the most part and it’s where do they fit in? Lowe has the advantage in the fact that he’s a left-handed hitter while everyone else who is in that designated hitter/first baseman category is a right-handed hitter. But that isn’t likely to matter as much in 2026 for this team as the guys who are the likely starters at those spots are players who are going to play every day in Sal Stewart and Eugenio Suarez. Those two are not platoon players or anything like it.
For Lowe that presents the issue of carrying him on the roster. First, he would require you to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Right now the 40-man roster is full of healthy players, so there’s not a spot there for the taking in the sense that you can send someone to the 60-day injured list and open a spot up like the team has had in the past. Then there’s the fact that he’s not going to be a platoon lefty if everyone is healthy, so he essentially becomes a guy who you would be carrying as a pinch hitter. At the cost of $1,750,000 (how much he would make if he makes the team out of spring training). He’s also out of options, so if you commit to him in the spring you are committing to him for the full season or chancing a situation where you have to designated him for assignment later in the season if things aren’t working out.
Encarnacion-Strand isn’t quite as limited defensively as he’s got experience at both first base and third base. But he still has the same questions with exactly how does he fit in? He’s not going to play all that often if everyone is healthy, he’s not exactly known for his defense so being a late-game replacement for that doesn’t make much sense, and while he could provide some pop off of the bench he’s a right-handed hitter on a team that is full of right-handed hitting starters. Unlike Lowe, he does have options remaining and that could play into his favor as you could send him back to the minor leagues throughout the season if his role isn’t working.
Tyler Callihan has a bit more position flexibility than the other two. He’s played first base, second base, third base, and left field over the last few years in the minor leagues. Third base is probably a stretch as he’s only played in one game there in the last few years, but he’s had more experience at the other spots during that time. Unlike Lowe or Encarnacion-Strand, he has some speed that could be useful off of the bench as a pinch runner for some guys. Callihan is also a left-handed hitter, which does give him a bit of an advantage as a bench bat on a team full of righties. But only by a small amount because guys like JJ Bleday, Will Benson, and potentially Nathaniel Lowe are also left-handed hitters who could be on the team and all have longer track records and better performance in their career than Callihan does.
On the surface, none of these three guys look like they have a good chance to make the big league club out of spring training if there aren’t injuries that open up a spot. But if that does happen, or if a trade happens and a spot becomes available on the bench for an additional infield type of guy, it’s probably one of these three guys who can grab a spot.
How I think it shakes out, barring injury:
Elly, Geno, Stewart, McLain, Steer, Lowe
1B: Stewart, Lowe, Steer, Geno
2B: McLain, Stewart, Steer
SS: Elly, McLain, (Arroyo in MILB)
3B: Hayes, Steer, Geno, Stewart
6 infielders
2 catchers (Stephenson, Trevino)
5 outfielders (Friedl, Marte, Myers, Benson, Bleday)
I think we go heavy on outfielders until someone takes a spot, then we could see one of Benson or Bleday sent down for a hot swinging bat possibly, infield or outfield. That’s light on infielders, but we are triple covered or more at every spot except SS, which is a call to AAA for Arroyo if the need arises. If there is a utility IF that is DFA’d towards the end of spring training that they like and could cover SS, it’d possible that they could get the spot over the fifth OF since Steer is essentially a 6th OF as well.
I agree Duke. I think you make room for Lowe as he will be great injury insurance and a quality left handed bat off the bench later in the games he doesn’t start. Steer as a super sub really is a big benefit to the roster construction of this team.
I think you forgot Hayes in your infield count (but not on position list). Hayes, Elly, McLain, Stewart, Geno, Steer, and Lowe make 7. Meaning it’s probably either/or with Benson and Bleday.
You are correct, I felt like something was missing, lol. In that case, knock off one of Benson or Bleday for Lowe. If Lowe stinks it up in spring training and goes to Louisville then both could possibly make it for that extra LH bat.
If you’re going to carry Lowe not starting him is a problem…
DH Suarez 6/9 Lowe 2/9 EDLC 1/9
1B Stewart 7/9 Lowe 2/9
2B McLain 5/9 Steer 4/9
3B KBH 7/9 Suarez 2/9
SS EDLC 7/9 McLain 2/9
I dunno, I guess it could work but our infield bench is now a (Lowe) 1B only, and an (Steer) INF/OF. It’s too many square pegs. Honestly even if Stewart was the 1B/2B/DH guy, it’s still not shaped well.
I’d rather swap out Myers for a glove 1st SS, that covers SS, and 2B. Bleday could be our 4th OF. In 2025 he played 12 times in LF, 55 in CF, and 23 times in RF.
You don’t have to start Lowe. He’s a veteran, and a cheap one at that. He can be used as a pinch hitter, spot player. That’s why you sign veterans for the end of the bench.
No, I’m not saying he has to start, I’m saying he’s maybe not a good fit for the roster. The only way I’d keep him is if he was a starter.
If they think that 1B is Stewarts position, I’d probably not keep Lowe. There would be other FA’s that could fill the needs better than a player that can only back up 1B.
That last spot isn’t going to play as much no matter who it is. Whether it is Lowe, Bleday, Benson, Callihan, etc… So I think the most established hitter of the bunch in Lowe is probably the best guy to fill that slot. Barring injury he won’t start much, but may get 2-3 pinch hit opportunities a week and maybe a start every week or two.
I think Lowe will perform at or above career average during ST and thus make the team. He worked his way up to a salary of $10.3M last year and this year finds himself just a bit over 10% of that at the age of 30. I think he must be very hungry and eager to have another chance at the FA market next year. It’s huge to have that LH bat available at 1B in a lot of games at GABP. That is the reason Stewart is going to start a lot of games at 3B along with 1B unless KBH shows a whole lot more offensive spark! His .290 & .306 SLG of the last 2 years should not have a lock on 3B regardless of how well he handles his 2.8 fielding chances per game.
Krall and Francona keep insisting that there is more in Hayes’ bat, but I can’t see it. He’s sugar in the gas tank. That’s why I hated the trade. Not to mention the chronic back condition and the $36MM through 2029. Stewart would be ticketed for 3B if Krall hadn’t bit.
As for Lowe, he’d be my starting 1B. This team acts as if splits don’t matter. They need the LH bat. Other teams start 5-6 LHH/SH against righties. The Reds act as if 2 sounds good.
If Hayes falls on his face this year, maybe give Steer a shot at 3B, assuming the shoulder is good to go now.
If something happens with Hayes and his back, I think the team would go with Geno at 3b or Stewart before Steer. I think Steer would be getting more time at 1b again too if Hayes gets injured.
Hoping for Hayes to hit .240 with a .320 OBP. and a little more power, Maybe, a dozen home runs for the season, and a few more doubles.
Assuming Steer’s shoulder is healthy and back to 100%, he has a better arm than Stewart, and more range. Geno is turning 34 and showed a marked decline defensively in 2025 at 3B.
There aren’t any full-time hitters who average 2.8 hits per game. I doubt that there are any who get on base 2.8 times per game. Not every fielding chance is difficult, certainly, but neither is every hit consequential. A thought I had while shoveling the snow out of the back of my truck.
Sorry about shoveling snow from the back of your truck greenmtred.I just got home from hanging around the pirates st complex 80 degrees in Bradenton
I wouldn’t trade places, Dennis: enough hot weather is on its way.
Agree Lowe makes the final roster. BTW the Louisville starting rotation looks fairly imposing with Petty, Franco, Williamson, Aguiar, and Lowder. Any of the five could find their way onto the Reds roster later in the year. Maybe the Bats can finally have a good season if they can come up with a good Bull Pen
After missing 2 full seasons essentially, using Williamson in a relief role as others have suggested seems to make a lot of sense, especially given the starting depth. It would be a good way to manage his innings and develop him into a dominant lefty reliever which we haven’t had since Chapman. Also he’s about to turn 28, it doesn’t seem to make sense to waste a year of his prime when the odds of him starting for the Reds is very low given the talent ahead of him.
I like the idea of him in the pen as a third lefty…and I give Krall credit for actually acquiring Ferguson and Burke…but Williamson has started all but two games in his entire (MiLB/MLB) career. Maybe he could make the switch, though. I keep wondering if they might trade a starter for prospects before the season starts…but I doubt it.
I think the transition from starter to long man is a fairly easy one, you just have to learn a new warm up routine. I like Williamson for that role and have Lowder and Aguiar in AAA still starting, then behind them you still have Petty, Franco, and Acuna.
If Williamson is healthy, I belive he is a starter at the beginning. He is a quality pitcher and he isn’t the only one that will need their innings managed this year.
It also allows us to rebuild his trade value if he pitches well. If they all stay reasonably healthy and pitch to their ability, we will be able to trade a quality starting pitcher in the off season for a steep price.
Steer was a gold glove finalist at first base. I don’t see how you start the season with him not at first base. I like Stewart, but he’s an unproven commodity at this point. If I bench anyone, it’s Hayes. Put Stewart at third.
Because 1B is the easiest position in the defensive spectrum and he provides more value as a utility man giving the Reds the best offense and defensive combinations with him moving around.
The pressure is on McLain. If he continues to hit as poorly as he did last year Stewart will seea lot of time at second. He’s already being prepped there.
Yep, some very not so subtle interviews about how Stewart is working more at 2B and how it might be his best position. The pressure is on McLain to lower that K rate, hit for more power removed from the surgery, and be more consistent with better swing decisions.
Don’t bench Steer because he is a GG nominee but bench the best fielder in BB @ 3b?
Good point, except Steer is the better hitter. If Hayes can hit .260, then okay. I just didn’t see much from him offensively last year. Steer, in my opinion, has the potential to be a 30-homer guy.
.260 is above the MLB average. It will be interesting to see, at season’s end, how many Reds hit .260. Few, I bet.
I agree Steer is the best defensive 1st baseman. Steer can play LF and move to 1st late in the games. I think Steer will also start at 1st. There will be plenty of at bats for Stewart,Steer and whoever. There is alot of versatility on this team and guys will play. If you can hit and field ,Tito will find time for you. He did last year with a lot of guys. Tito has even said in the past that he has to keep his bench sharp and ready. Only way to do that is play them and give guys time off. Guys better perform because there are capable backups at every position to take their spot.
Nathaniel Lowe has won a gold glove and also a silver slugger at 1b. He has a career OPS+ of 116 in 3400+ plate appearances.
Steer has won neither of those awards and has a 101 OPS+ in ~2000 plate appearances.
Lowe is the guy for 1b when Stewart isn’t there, and if Sal struggles, Lowe could even be *the guy * at 1b.
Franconia’s remarks about Lowe’s status appear to indicate that a roster spot is his to lose.
I agree with your assessment Jim. Steer did fine last year. But he has higher value elsewhere. We have others that can play a passable first base.
Very pleased to get Lowe after already getting Geno. He is very good against righties and plays quality defense. Someone has to play better than him to displace him against righties. Also love having a leftie with power on the bench. Last year we batted santiago Espinal late in games against righties. This year will be night and day.
I think Arroyo would make the perfect utility infielder. If he has a good season it will make for some interesting decisions in the next off season.
Arroyo needs to show that his power has returned and he can be more than a slap hitter if he wants to be more than a utility bench player.
I guess Steer is your Espinal defensively, except he will play everyday. Unless Lowe has a horrible ST, I think you at least have to clear a spot for him on the 40-man roster. There is probably a pitcher you could slot back down, or maybe Dunn. Or, unfortunately CES. Or maybe you could trade CES if you could get something for him. It would be nice to have Lowe on the 26-man, but it really is hard to see a place for him right now. Of course, god-forbid. if Stewart gets stymied at the plate, a Steer/Lowe 1B becomes an option.
We know Steer will bounce all over. I would think the front office thinks CES first needs to crush AAA pitching before being considered for a roster spot. The quotes about Callihan from Tito suggest he needs to get some at-bats in the minors after missing so much time…..on top of the myriad injuries that caused him to miss a lot of games ever since being drafted.
Lowe makes the most sense even if as a pinch hitter who’s getting spot starts at 1B.
His presence on the roster will make it very challenging for Hinds and/or Dunn to head north with the team, but there is an opportunity. This all seems to suggest Dane Myers will also be on the outside looking in.
If they had any faith in CES, they wouldn’t have signed Lowe, and may not have even signed Toglia.
@Sultan>> While CES is crushing pitching at AAA, also get him some work in left field. He has shown good agility and decent speed. His defensive issues have been more with is hands and throwing.
Jim: when you say throwing, do you mean accuracy? My impression is that he has a strong throwing arm.
I am really rooting for Nathaniel Lowe to make the team.
I think there’s a straightforward answer to the roster composition/spots and the LF questions. Right now I would have to assume Steer is the everyday option in LF as he’s the most consistent hitter, most experienced player in that group. At the same time it’s already been stated that Steer’s going to move around in a utility role and he’s not proven to be a solid defensive option in LF to this point. There’s also the fact that he’d be on the short-side of a platoon situation being a RH hitter if the Reds were going to go matchup based as they have in the past. On the other hand both Bleday and Benson are being discussed on here as possibilities to start in AAA. One likely will unless injuries occur to make way. Both feel more like 4th OF types rather than starting OF’ers. Then there’s also the issue of needing a roster spot for Lowe who would supplant one of them as the LH hitter off the bench if he makes the team.
That’s why I’d suggest trading a couple prospects on the 40-man for an everyday LF option. It would provide more clarity to lineup, and allow Steer to maximize a true utility role. It would open a roster spot to add Lowe without having to DFA someone. It would strengthen the major league roster now rather than carrying guys that may be a year or two away from contributing. To me, it just makes a lot of sense to pursue this route.
Saying “trade for an everyday LF” is easy. Who are you trading that is a worthy starting level player that the other team is willing to give up and what are you trading for them? May seem like minor details, but I assure you they are important.
I’d probably trade one of Petty/Lowder and one of Arroyo/Collier/Steele in the right deal (for a semi-established, young, controllable OF bat).
The Red Sox are asking for the moon for Duran. Who else is even out there that is available?
I’d keep the pitchers but trade all of Collier/Arroyo/Steele for a LF as you describe………but only AFTER I give Hinds and HRod a 200AB tryout.
Unless Hinds now has a PhD in studying breaking pitches this offseason. He could throw a variable into this conversation as could HRod.
Those 5 names I would prefer to have more time in our system. You would be selling on all.
I think Collier is a year behind Sal and next year this discussion has his name as DH 9/9
Fans deal with trades like dining-room table baseball card swaps. The old “anybody but Smith” is usually as good as it gets.
@Duke Dominguez is probably somewhat available from the Yankees since they have a bit of a roster squeeze. Baty may be had from the Mets as he’s been squeezed out by all the infielders they’ve brought in and has played some LF before. Jake Meyers was reportedly available earlier in the offseason and you could slide Friedl to LF and play him in CF. I’m sure the Dodgers may have someone available with everyone they’ve signed recently, haha.
Admittedly trades are harder to come up with specific names because it takes two parties aligning on needs/surplus to make it work. It’s hard to know who is or isn’t available based on rumors. Most everyone is likely available at the right price, especially in the type of player we’re discussing, but identifying the price is tricky.
Just speculating on an option that would solve a couple issues with one move, namely staring OF, roster space to add Lowe, and freeing up Steer for a true utility role. If others have better ideas to address those I’m here for the discussion.
I doubt they see any of those options a viable to replace Steer before the season begins. About the only thing I think that moves the Steer/Lefty platoon out of that spot is if Hector Rodriguez absolutely rakes in AAA and gets called up to play every day. I don’t think they are willing to give up some of their most valuable prospects to displace Steer while arguably not upgrading there offensively.
Possibly so. If it ends up being the case, I hope they just pencil in Steer in LF most days and hope he can improve his defense out there with more reps. I don’t really care to see a platoon, we’ve seen enough of that not working out as well as we’d hoped.
One of Benson or Bleday are likely to get starts out in LF about half the time, always against RHP. It’s likely that both get some time until one or the other takes it with performance. Or maybe they both suck and Hector Rodriguez is playing there by midseason. All sorts of things can and will happen this season. Some expected, some unexpected.
Let the sorting begin …
I could speculate till I’m blue in the face about who the Reds should take north. What I’ve learned however is that spring injuries dictate who comes up. I like the depth I think. I think the Reds would love to see guys like Stuart and Steer just go out and grab a position. I’m not sure that will happen. I’m curious to see if Hayes plays other infield positions. I can’t wait to see how the outfield looks against the more dominant spring pitchers. I’m also eager to see how far Callihan is away from establishment.
Hayes is never moving off 3B
The manager is the reason KB Hayes is at third base for now. Rarely does a team get the best ML hot corner defender
Reading (free) Charlie’s Chalkboard, the emphasis on “clean” baseball was mostly just so much spring training rah-rah, but it did reveal that Spencer Steer has been working in the off-season on his OF play.
That certainly suggests they’ve known for a while that SS was going to LF. Of course, “off-season” can be a period of 3 months, or 3 weeks.
Read this morning that Francona is going to play Stewart at 2nd and 1st during ST. I don’t like that at all. Please give him rep after rep at 1B and let him play there every day during the season.
I’d say that is more an indictment of their confidence in Matt McLain. Of course publicly they are going to say they have full confidence that .385 BABIP 2023 Matt McLain is 100% going to be back this year, but their actions say they see the 29% K rate and knowing that sometimes shoulder injuries sap power that never comes back like it was before.
If McLain can’t make more consistent contact and make good swing decisions, they are obviously grooming Stewart as plan B and have Lowe ready to step in at 1B if it happens.
Great take. It’s a matter of flexibility and options.
True Duke. But Francona also shares that McLain is the best base runner on the team. He is currently the best second baseman. He has to hit, granted. But his is a Tito type of junkyard ballplayer.
We will see if Tito can be the McLain whisperer (I think he can) to get the best out of him. There are plenty of names to take his place if he cannot fix his hit tool in Sal, Steer and Callihan before you get to Arroyo.
CES had his worst year in the minor last year, and has struggled in the past 2 seasons with the Reds. He doesn’t seem like a realistic option. If he was, there likely wouldn’t have been as pressing of a need to sign Suarez for a role we once envisioned CES holding.
Lowe has the track record to prove he’s a decent MLB hitter, with a 110 OPS+ over the past few seasons. His floor at the plate is probably comparable to Steer’s ceiling. He would be a decent bat-only bench player.
Callihan only has 132 AB’s above AA, so it’s difficult to say how he will hit in the majors. He provides the best positional versatility, but being the last man on the bench isn’t going to serve his development at a hitter. He would be best starting out in AAA where he can get more AB’s. Whereas Lowe is a veteran and likely won’t need daily AB’s.
How is Lowe’s floor Steer’s ceiling? Steer was better than Lowe last year. Steer was better in 2023 as well.
Lowe couldn’t even get a guaranteed big league contract this season.
Tyler Callihan is going to be 26 this year. He has had some missed time in the minors with injuries but he is past the point of he needs more development time and at the point of he needs to put up or start thinking about a career change. He is no longer being developed as a potential starting player.
Callihan will get a shot in AAA at the very least coming back from injury, but he is going to need the stars to align and produce to get the shot again he was getting when he got injured.
Steer & Lowe both had a 94 OPS+ last year.
Over the past 3 years Lowe has 110 to Steer’s 103.
Lowe has topped 100 OPS+ in 6 of 7 years
Steer has only topped 100 OPS+ once in his career.
For me the big question is McLain. I could see a repeat of Nick Senzel where an injury leads to a career breakdown.we always heard that Nick never had injury issues previously but the broken hand kind of started a spiral. Austin Kearns is another 1st round example of this where an arm injury limited his productivity. If he can’t bounce back then Stewart might move to second. Hopefully he can return to expected form but that is big question to me.
Right now, the Reds have at least three guys, likely to make the team, that can’t hit: Trevino (who is necessary), Myers, and Hayes. That’s not a good thing. The article below has a discussion on that very thing. Basically, offence beats defense and the Reds need hitters. Lots of potential and many areas of concern. Let’s hope the Reds draw to that inside straight.
https://www.mlb.com/news/analyzing-success-of-mlb-teams-trading-defense-for-offense?msockid=191c2919b59d66bf31453e1ab4d66769
Myers is here to hit lefties. Lifetime .297/.360/.456 against LHP, how is that not able to hit, and what more do you expect from a 4th OF? He can also defensively back up all 3 OF spots. I bet he gets about 200 PA this year.
Now that explains it Duke!
Myers can hit lefties, so I would expect that his starts will come only against LHP, and he will not be the lineup black hole that Trevino and Hayes have been.
that’s a lot of optimism based on a guy that has 200 PAs vs LH’d pitching. And a career OPS+ of 80. Better ways to use the roster slot. There’s not room on the roster for Myers, Bleday, and Benson. Nor Hays for that matter, but that ship has sailed.
I’d cut the loser of the Benson/Bleday battle before Myers. Hits LHP, plays all 3 OF spots well, precisely what you want from your 4th OF. I’m saying 200 targeted PA, not every day starter.
I could go for that. If the version of Benson from 2023 showed up this year that would be a nice surprise. Or Bleday 2024 for that matter. They each have had one promising season. Sadly, they each have more seasons that were below average than above. I’m ready for the season to get underway and see if the Reds can actually make a go of it. Still think 3rd place is most likely, but they could surprise everyone if the stars align just right.
I have bigger questions about Benson than McLain but I understand the questions about both. That is what spring is all about.
Regarding the questions about Matt McLain, including his durability issues over time as well as his 2025 year offensively, and other comments about who fills the club’s utility role best, the answer might be staring us right in the face: Matt McLain should become the super utility player.
McLain can cover SS and 2B, can learn or relearn 3B and the OF, including CF, and can provide speed, some pop and electricity off the bench.
Last year was his first season with more than 130 games and, when he went home, he added 10-15 lbs for strength. Perhaps it’s best McLain be counted on for 130-140 games at many positions?
I don’t see this happening immediately (though it could if, say, Lowe is raking and Stewart knocks him off 2B). But I can sure see the transition beginning sometime this year. Especially if Edwin Arroyo, who *is* durable, hits and finds the pop he had prior to his injury. Or Leo Balcazar emerges for a role sometime early 2027, either (His tools don’t leap off the page but he’s the type of player who just makes plays).
As for Sal. If they really believe he is better suited for 2B, one, what a twist that would be. I mean, if McLain falters and becomes a utility player, if Sal’s arm really is an issue (it’s not like the Reds would broadcast that) and 3B isn’t his best option, and if 1B is crowded — it seems like a lot of ‘ifs’ could line up.
I have generally felt 1B is Sal’s best option. It may still be, but maybe just not this year. I still don’t like the drop off in range you’d get with him at 2B. It can’t be much worse, however, than Jon India’s after all those leg injuries. But given this spring’s tea leaves, I am trying hard to see how “At second base, batting 5th, Sal Stewart” would work.
How does a Jeff Kent second baseman sound?
@ Dave- jeff Kent sounds fabulous( bad mustache and all). I get the sense the Reds want to see what Sal can do at 2b since they know what they have with the versatility of Steer and they dont have a dedicated utility player so on McLain off days or Elly off days, they are test-driving Sal at 2b By all accounts, Sal worked all winter at first base and I think he is still plan A at first base but with Geno getting to the facility at 730 and working at first for the occasional spot start and with Lowe the AL 2023 Gold Glover winner at 1b, the Reds want to see if Sal can play a serviceable 2b to keep his bat in the lineup once a week or 2 out of every 10 games. Tito told Sal during the off-season he wanted him to improve his mobility and it looks like he has.
Still a ton of comments on Hayes not playing 3b. I get folks dont like the trade but Tito and the FO value run prevention and the Gold Glover is going to be a regular at 3b. Geno has also mentioned his plans to call none other than Joey Votto to get some pointers at 1b.
Ideally, the Reds would make a trade.
The outfield is still a big weakness, as they only really have 2 outfielders that can hit (Friedl and Marte).
Neither Benson, Bleday, or Myers would be considered at starting outfielder on any MLB team, given their track record. 2 of them would make fine 4th or 5th outfielders (I’d personally choose Benson and Myers for their speed), but that’s it.
The Reds really need to trade for that one last piece: a good hitting, left-handed OF with some pop. I would look at packaging Steer along with a pitcher from the minors (Lowder or Petty) and a few more pieces to land an actual good outfielder, not just a retread or someone with potential. For Steer and one of the Reds’ top pitching prospects, I’m sure most teams would at the very least listen.
As for the Espinal role, a lot of utility players will get cut this spring. No doubt the Reds could find one if they are looking for one.
Benson, Bleday, Myers. One will be a 4th OF (Myers), one will win a platoon role in LF, and the other will be cut. That is what the bottom of most every roster looks like.
Steer is that utility guy, just in a more featured role. He played 5 positions (6 if you count DH) in his best year, 2023. Lowe can be a lefty bat of the bench and reserve player in case of injury. That will probably provide more value than the Santiago Espinal’s of the world.
Right, but it still doesn’t solve the problem that we only really have 2 outfielders that can hit and no left-handed power besides EDLC.
It makes sense to package Steer to get that missing outfield piece that provides another lefty and an upgrade on Steer, offensively and defensively in the outfield.
When you take the time to Moll it over, it will be a great Bleday when the Reds Mey Steer the Cruz ship between the Lowe and the high of the season without Burns to the Hinds quarters and turning Greene around the gills. The calls will grow Lowder to not be Petty about the playing time. That’s the time they have to Will to be as Christian as an Abbott in a monastery. The time to make Hayes is now or never.
Great brain you have red future nice creativity
You have way too much time on your hands RedFuture.
We need games to start ASAP.
Ever think of waiting until at least the halfway point of spring training, at least several games played, before playing all these roster merry go round games? Position players are barely in town.
No. The answer to that is no.
No.
But we could follow your model and wait until the end of Spring Training.
Or the end of a game.
Or the end of the season.
And then second guess every decision and every comment and pretend to be a know it all.
Yes, I agree. Play some games and get a better idea. Speculation abound does nothing as alot can happen between now and start of the season
My two cents. Use ST to see what Sal Stewart can do with the glove. 2b maybe if McLain still has not figured it out. If Lowe shows he still has it I think you need to find way to get his LH bat into lineup. If he does not make the team, I don’t see him hanging out in the minors. He will go somewhere else. I saw a few glimmers of hope with KBH last year. I think he made better contact that McLain or Stephenson. Beware shuffling players around so much that you lose that continuity on defense. CES is down to his last strike. Face it, a 25-26 y.o. should have made some progress by now. But for whatever reason, he just has not been consistently good. Hitting a baseball is hard and some just do not cut it.
Duke’s initial comment kicks off everything following with the note adding KBH to the discussion.
I expect Lowe replaces Benson on the 26 man, which also gets to LDS’s objection to 3 non hitters. Trevino is a fine hitting 2d catcher so there’s nothing to do there. Myers is also a fine 13th hitter for platoon and defense. That leaves KBH’a bat which they can safely leave in the 9th spot in the order.
The lineup is setting up nicely with Lowe as a LH bat on a veteran pillow contract, and plenty of late defense shifts available.
Aside from unexpected injury time the 2 big issues seem to be KBH’s chronic back issues and McLain’s return to passable or better offensive production.
There’s enough depth everywhere, the defense is much better, and I think they can overcome just OK production from either of Marte or Stewart, and believe neither will falter significantly. The OF is still thin, for now, and will become the focus for the mid season rental trade.
Great points and summary!
Benson was guaranteed 1.725M in an arb settlement and Bleday signed for 1.4M. Reds have to pay those amounts regardless of whether they are optioned or not.
I’d be surprised if either is optioned for that reason. It would not be a good look to pay Benson 1.725M to play in Louisville.
Well, Benson could be traded, but with his present Arb salary, the Reds would have to kick in part of that (I would think) to make his somewhat attractive to another team, where, again, he would be the 4th or 5th outfielder. Ditto with Bleday
Krall got all these guys (Dane Myers and Bleday) to try and fill in some slots, and give Tonto Francona some more choices to have to fill out the roster…competition in Spring Training, pushing guys harder to show what they have.
Tonto Francona? Does that make Krall, Kemosabe???
I don’t think the players’ salaries will impact whether they are optioned or not. Under Krall and others, the Reds have consistently shown they won’t fall for the “sunk cost” fallacy. Having quality depth is important–it’s most likely both will be needed at some point. Similarly, I don’t think Benson’s guaranteed salary would be a deterrent in a trade.
One note, Bleday can’t be traded until mid-June, as he was signed as a free agent.
Sorry this is off topic Doug but I figured this is the best website to inquire and I’m probably not the only one wondering about it.
Is there any news or rumors about a lottery for Opening Day tickets? I know the Reds will do everything they can to lock in season tickets and special packages that include the option to buy Opening Day but I feel like in the past the lottery registration was in January or at least February. We’re a week away from March and I have not seen anything yet. If anyone has any insight or educated guesses I’m sure it will be much appreciated.
Not sure if this is what you were looking for, but hopefully it helps. Sounds like you have to buy tickets to 3 games including opening day and registration for it ends this Friday at noon.
https://www.mlb.com/reds/forms/od-opportunity-26
For the infielders I’d go with:
C Stephenson, Trevino
1B Lowe
2B McLain
SS De La Cruz
3B Stewart, Hayes
DH Suarez