MLB · NL Central · Est. 1881 · Great American Ball Park
Updated March 16, 2026
Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder, both former top-10 draft picks, are battling for a rotation spot this spring. Both profile as long-term anchors of the Cincinnati staff, and the loser may start in Triple-A, but this is the kind of problem every organization wishes it had.
The 2026 Reds will live and die by the development of their intriguing young position-player core. Noelvi Marte's bat has electrifying upside, and rookie Sal Stewart is pushing for everyday at-bats. If both take a step forward, Cincinnati could surprise in the NL Central.
Eugenio Suarez signed a one-year, $15 million deal to come back to Cincinnati, reuniting with the franchise where he became an All-Star. He provides veteran stability at the hot corner while the young core matures around him.