As we eagerly anticipate the start of the baseball season, it’s time to take a closer look at what the Cincinnati Reds might field on Opening Day 2026. With pitchers and catchers set to report to Goodyear, Arizona, in just a few weeks, and the entire team gearing up for its first full workout next month, excitement is building.
However, it’s worth noting that the Reds’ front office has faced criticism from fans due to the lack of significant player acquisitions this winter. While some supporters express disappointment, the overall sentiment in Reds Country seems optimistic, with many hoping for a continuation of last year's progress — a season that saw the team return to the MLB playoffs.
There’s still a possibility that General Manager Nick Krall and his team could make a surprising trade or sign a key free agent before spring training kicks off. But if the roster remains largely the same leading into the season, what can we expect for the Reds’ Opening Day lineup?
Projected Reds 2026 Opening Day Lineup (9)
-Catcher: Tyler Stephenson
-First Base: Spencer Steer
-Second Base: Matt McLain
-Shortstop: Elly De La Cruz
-Third Base: Ke'Bryan Hayes
-Left Field: JJ Bleday
-Center Field: TJ Friedl
-Right Field: Noelvi Marte
-Designated Hitter: Sal Stewart
For the most part, we can feel confident about the Reds Opening Day lineup, especially in the infield where Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Ke'Bryan Hayes are almost guaranteed to start against the Boston Red Sox on March 26. While Steer may see some action in left field during the upcoming season, his impressive defensive skills at first base make him a likely candidate to remain primarily in the infield.
The addition of JJ Bleday this offseason points to him being the starting left fielder when facing right-handed pitchers, while TJ Friedl will take on center field duties. Meanwhile, Noelvi Marte is poised to embark on his first full season as a right fielder. If Sal Stewart fulfills the role that many within the organization expect of him, he’ll definitely make the roster and contribute as both a first baseman and third baseman, alongside some designated hitting opportunities. Despite ongoing negotiations regarding Tyler Stephenson's salary for the 2026 season, he is expected to be the starting catcher come Opening Day.
Reds Opening Day Bench (4)
-Isiah Kiner-Falefa
-Will Benson
-Rece Hinds
-Jose Trevino
With the recent trade of Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati is in need of a reliable middle infielder to support McLain and De La Cruz. Currently, Tyler Callihan stands out as the leading candidate to fill this critical role. However, there’s a cloud of uncertainty surrounding Callihan, as he is returning from a serious injury and has only played four games in the majors. It’s likely that the Reds will seek a veteran option either through free agency or a trade, and Kiner-Falefa appears to fit the profile of the kind of high-contact hitter the coaching staff values.
Will Benson offers versatility by being able to cover all three outfield positions, making him an essential asset for the team in 2026. Although the Reds added Dane Myers to their roster over the offseason, Rece Hinds could potentially secure a spot over him due to a lack of power from Myers. Veteran catcher Jose Trevino is expected to serve as the backup behind the plate.
Reds Opening Day Starting Rotation (5)
-Hunter Greene
-Nick Lodolo
-Andrew Abbott
-Brady Singer
-Rhett Lowder
The starting rotation for the Reds hinges on one critical question: who will claim the fifth starter spot? Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Brady Singer (if he stays and isn’t traded) will occupy four of the five starting roles to kick off the season in 2026.
The competition for the last spot is heating up, with Rhett Lowder appearing to have an advantage. Fans can expect a lively contest between Lowder and Chase Burns; however, Brandon Williamson could also emerge as a contender, alongside Jose Franco, Julian Aguiar, and Chase Petty, making this position battle one of the most intriguing storylines of spring training.
Reds Opening Day Bullpen (8)
-Graham Ashcraft
-Tony Santillan
-Emilio Pagán
-Pierce Johnson
-Caleb Ferguson (L)
-Brock Burke (L)
-Connor Phillips
-Anthony Misiewicz (L)
This offseason posed challenges for the Reds bullpen after losing a significant number of innings with the departures of Brent Suter, Nick Martinez, and Scott Barlow to free agency. As a result, the front office was prompted to replenish the relief pitching staff. The signing of Caleb Ferguson and Pierce Johnson, along with the trade for Brock Burke, has turned what was seen as a weakness into a more robust aspect of the team.
Emilio Pagán returns as the closer for 2026, aiming to build on his success from the previous season. Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft are likely to retain their established roles, while Connor Phillips has proven enough to earn a place on the Opening Day roster. Currently, we’re projecting the final spot to go to Anthony Misiewicz, but keep an eye out for Zach Maxwell, Luis Mey, and Tejay Antone, who are also vying for a chance.
So, have the Reds made sufficient moves this offseason to capitalize on last season's achievements? Is their bullpen equipped to handle the demands of a grueling 162-game schedule? Is there still a need for additional infield strength? And what about the apparent lack of power in the lineup? These pressing questions will be addressed in the coming weeks as spring training unfolds, often revealing some hard truths before the team takes the field on Opening Day.
