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Sal Stewart Sal Stewart Starts at 2B Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 8:02 AM Stewart started at second base and went 0-for-1 with two walks in Saturday's spring game against Cleveland. Analysis: Stewart, who entered camp as the favorite to be the team's primary first baseman, was given an opportunity at second base in the Cactus League opener. A slimmed down version of Stewart -- he shed 26 pounds during the offseason -- makes it possible for him to be deployed at the keystone this season.
Julian Aguiar Julian Aguiar Returns from TJ surgery Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 7:24 AM Aguiar allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out two over two innings in Saturday's spring game against the Guardians. Analysis: Aguiar stepped on a big-league mound in a game setting for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2024. He was the third of three candidates for the final spot in the Reds rotation to pitch in the Cactus League opener, as Chase Burns started the game followed by Rhett Lowder. Aguiar threw 30 pitches (18 strikes) and used all the pitches in his arsenal, but he didn't face the toughest competition as Cleveland's expected regulars were out of the game by the time Aguiar entered in the fifth inning.
Rhett Lowder Rhett Lowder First game action since 2024 Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 7:12 AM Lowder allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out four over two innings in Saturday's spring game against Cleveland. Analysis: Lowder was the second of three pitchers competing for the Reds' fifth spot in the rotation used in their Cactus League opener. He followed Chase Burns (two scoreless innings, three walks) and was followed by Julian Aguiar (two innings, one run). For Lowder, who missed all of 2025 with forearm and oblique injuries, this was his first game action in a big-league setting since September of 2024. The right-hander threw 37 pitches (23 strikes).
Chase Burns Chase Burns Starts spring opener Sun, Feb 22, 2026, 6:51 AM Burns walked three and did not allow a hit while striking out two over two scoreless innings as the starting pitcher in Saturday's spring opener against the Guardians. Analysis: Reds manager Terry Francona wasted little time in getting three of the four candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation some game action. Burns, Rhett Lowder and Julian Aguiar all were used for two-inning stints in the Cactus League kickoff. Burns overcame a couple of four-pitch walks in the first inning and a two-out walk in the second while working his pitch count up to 37 (15 strikes). He used a new in-development changeup to induce a weak flyout to center field. "My changeup was really good. It gives me a lot of confidence," Burns told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com after the contest. Working on secondary pitches have been a focus for Burns in early in camp as the right-hander looks to expand an arsenal that includes a four-seamer, slider and sinker.
Julian Aguiar Julian Aguiar Competing for rotation spot Thu, Feb 19, 2026, 11:29 AM Aguiar (elbow) is without restrictions in Reds camp and competing for the final spot in the rotation, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Aguiar missed the entire 2025 season after having Tommy John surgery in October 2024, but he's now 16 months removed from the operation and participating fully in camp. The 24-year-old is in the rotation mix for Cincinnati but is almost surely ticketed for Triple-A Louisville following a lost season. Aguiar made seven starts for the Reds in 2024, holding a 6.25 ERA and 19:12 K:BB over 31.2 innings.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand Christian Encarnacion-Strand Could get into games next week Thu, Feb 19, 2026, 10:44 AM Reds manager Terry Francona said Thursday that Encarnacion-Strand (hamstring) could play in Cactus League games next week, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports. Analysis: Encarnacion-Strand has been slowed early on in camp by a hamstring injury he suffered in January, but he's been working out and it seems he'll miss only the first few spring training games. Given the number of bodies ahead of him at the infield corners and designated hitter, the 26-year-old is facing long odds to make the Opening Day roster.
Rhett Lowder Rhett Lowder Throws first bullpen Thu, Feb 19, 2026, 7:53 AM Lowder threw a bullpen session Monday that manager Terry Francona described as "very polished," Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Lowder showed no rust after missing all of 2025 with a forearm injury followed by an oblique strain. The right-hander was able to have a normal offseason, which included work in the Arizona Fall League. Lowder's in the mix for the final rotation spot along with Julian Aguiar, Chase Burns and Brandon Williamson.
Connor Phillips Connor Phillips Competing for bullpen spot Wed, Feb 18, 2026, 7:04 AM Phillips is part of a group competing for the final spots in the Reds' bullpen, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Phillips made the transition from starter to reliever in 2025 following a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). To treat and manage TOS, the right-hander received Botox injections, which alleviated the symptoms and allowed him to pitch in shorter stints. Phillips was dominant over the final six weeks of 2025, using a two-pitch mix of four-seamers and sweepers (0.53 ERA, plus-5 Run Value) to post a 1.80 ERA with 28 strikeouts and eight walks over his final 17 appearances. The right-hander will compete with the likes of Sam Moll, Zach Maxwell and Luis Mey for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Tyler Callihan Tyler Callihan Fully cleared Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 4:54 PM Callihan (forearm) has been fully cleared for all baseball activities and is a full-go in spring training, Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reports. Analysis: Callihan has had an incredibly unlucky professional career when it comes to his health, the latest being in May 2025 when he snapped his forearm trying to make a sliding catch in Atlanta. He's got an uphill battle to make the team out of spring training, lining up behind Will Benson and JJ Bleday as left-handed hitting corner outfielders.
Eugenio Suarez Eugenio Suarez Taking first base reps Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 4:49 PM Suarez is taking reps at first base to start each day of spring training, Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reports. "I'm a guy who likes work," Suarez said. "I want to be better at first base. I know they're going to need me there." Analysis: Suarez is still likely to get most of his starts as the Reds' designated hitter, with Ke'Bryan Hayes starting at third base and either Sal Stewart or Spencer Steer playing first base, but every bit of flexibility helps. Suarez played the first three games at first base of his major league career last season.
Chase Burns Chase Burns In mix for rotation Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 6:30 AM Burns will compete for the fifth starter's role during spring training, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. He showed improvement with his changeup during a two-inning live batting practice session on Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reports. Analysis: Burns experienced just about everything a pitcher can during his first year of professional ball in 2025, hitting three levels of the minors before making his MLB debut with the Reds. He also experienced an injury, time on the injured list and returned to pitch as a reliever over the final weeks of the regular season and into the postseason. The right-hander held his own for the most part and can leverage that experience to compete for the final rotation spot. His fellow candidates for the job are Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar (elbow). Burns possesses an elite four-seamer and slider (43.9 Whiff%) and has succeeded thus far on the strength of those two pitches, but adding a useful changeup or cutter could take him to another level.
Nathaniel Lowe Nathaniel Lowe Signs NRI pact with Cincinnati Fri, Feb 13, 2026, 12:35 PM The Reds signed Lowe to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Feinsand and Mark Sheldon of MLB.com report. Analysis: The 30-year-old Lowe had to settle for a minor-league deal after slashing a disappointing .228/.307/.381 with 18 home runs over 153 regular-season games between the Nationals and Red Sox in 2025. The Reds already have Sal Stewart and Eugenio Suarez projected for everyday at-bats between first base and designated hitter, with Spencer Steer also in the mix for playing time at those spots, so it's difficult to see a current fit for Lowe on the 26-man roster.
Spencer Steer Spencer Steer Addressed quad issue in offseason Fri, Feb 13, 2026, 6:55 AM Steer said Thursday that he cleaned up his sprinting mechanics to prevent re-injuring his quadriceps, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Steer got off to a slow start in 2025 because of a shoulder injury, but he admitted there was also a right quadriceps issue that bothered him for most of the season. "I think that had to do with my sprinting mechanics, and I cleaned that stuff up," he said. That was likely the reason he stole just seven bases after reaching double-digit swipes in each of the previous two seasons. Steer, who was a Gold Glove finalist at first base in 2025, will move around the diamond this season. His primary spot will be left field but depending on matchups, injuries and game situations, he could also see time in right field, and at first, second or third base.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand Christian Encarnacion-Strand Recovering from hamstring injury Thu, Feb 12, 2026, 12:46 PM Reds manager Terry Francona said Thursday that Encarnacion-Strand is behind schedule after suffering a hamstring injury in January, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports. Analysis: Encarnacion-Strand is on a running program, so he is improving, but he could miss the first few Cactus League games. The 26-year-old infielder slashed just .208/.234/.377 across 137 plate appearances last season and looks to be a bit buried on the Reds' depth chart.
Noelvi Marte Noelvi Marte Will play CF this spring Thu, Feb 12, 2026, 7:25 AM Marte will receive opportunities to play center field this spring, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. Analysis: TJ Friedl is expected to get the most starts in center field this season, but the Reds want to see how Marte handles the new position. Marte moved from third base to right field in 2025, and though there were growing pains, he eventually proved himself to be competent and enters 2026 as the primary starter in right.
Sal Stewart Sal Stewart Drops weight Thu, Feb 12, 2026, 7:14 AM Stewart shed 26 pounds during the offseason, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Stewart, primarily a third baseman in the minors, has a clear path to playing regularly at first base and designated hitter this season. Last season's primary starter at first base, Spencer Steer, will likely be a regular in left field while also subbing in at three infield positions. Stewart was introduced to first base last season and had a throwing error in the playoffs that led to a four-run rally by the Dodgers. It's unclear if the error prompted him to drop the weight, but the early report out of camp is that the slimmer Stewart has improved his athleticism. How that reduction in weight impacts his offense is something to monitor, but the 22-year-old prospect is confident he will retain his compact swing and continue to hit for power. During a September call-up last year, Stewart slashed .255/.293/.545 with five home runs, eight RBIs and 11 runs scored over 58 plate appearances.
Brandon Williamson Brandon Williamson Faces hitters Wednesday Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 1:01 PM Williamson (elbow) faced hitters in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports. Analysis: The left-hander has no restrictions to begin camp after he missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Williamson will get the chance to compete for a spot in the Reds' Opening Day rotation this spring, but he still has two minor-league options remaining and seems more likely to begin the season at Triple-A Louisville.
Tyler Stephenson Tyler Stephenson Wins arbitration case Tue, Feb 10, 2026, 1:45 PM Stephenson will earn $6.8 million in 2026 after winning his arbitration hearing against the Reds, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Analysis: The two sides went to a hearing despite just a $250,000 difference in their submitted arbitration figures, and the three-person panel ultimately picked Stephenson's filing. Stephenson put up a .737 OPS with 13 home runs over 88 regular-season contests for the Reds this past season and will be their top catcher again in 2026. He is slated to reach free agency next offseason.
Emilio Pagan Emilio Pagan Light use early Mon, Feb 9, 2026, 4:14 PM Pagan and teammate Tony Santillan will likely see less work in spring training games this year, especially early in the spring, Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reports. "We'll slow play them a little," pitching coach Derek Johnson said. "We need to give them a bit of time on the front end to build and maybe not be in games right away. Analysis: Pagan and Santillan were heavily used by the Reds last season, particularly down the stretch as the team tried to make the playoffs. The Reds did acquire Caleb Ferguson, Pierce Johnson and Brock Burke this offseason to help lighten the load on the two returning high-leverage arms.
Graham Ashcraft Graham Ashcraft Wins arbitration case Fri, Feb 6, 2026, 1:27 PM Ashcraft will earn $1.75 million in 2026 after winning his arbitration hearing against the Reds, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: The three-person arbitration panel sided with Ashcraft rather than the Reds' $1.25 figure. Ashcraft had a solid 2025 campaign in his first year as a full-time reliever, posting a 3.99 ERA and 64:25 K:BB over 65.1 regular-season innings. He's slated for a middle relief role again in 2026.