Poll: Who Will Be The Odd Man Out In The Reds' Lineup?

"The Reds were perhaps the most surprising playoff club of the 2025 season, as they managed to squeak into the third NL Wild Card spot with an 83-79 record. That return to the postseason came to an abrupt end when they were dispatched by the eventual World Champion Dodgers in the Wild Card round, but that didn't stop them from making some upgrades to the team this winter."

"While Suarez is an impactful offensive addition coming off a 49-homer campaign, he'll surely cut into the playing time of one of the club's other regulars. That's especially true given the addition of to the club's outfield mix, which effectively replaced the traded on the roster."

"There's a few obvious players who won't be losing playing time this year. Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino are more or less locked in as the club's catching tandem. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz is a star and will surely be in the lineup every day as long as he's healthy."

The Cincinnati Reds unexpectedly made the 2025 playoffs with an 83-79 record but lost to the Dodgers in the Wild Card round. Despite the early exit, the team upgraded its roster by signing veteran slugger Eugenio Suarez, who hit 49 home runs last season. This addition, combined with changes to the outfield, creates significant playing time challenges across the roster. While certain players like catcher Tyler Stephenson, shortstop Elly De La Cruz, and center fielder are locked into everyday roles, most other players face reduced opportunities. Spencer Steer, despite being an established player and strong defensive first baseman, lacks positional security and may see limited at-bats given his 97 wRC+ offensive production.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors