Reds Face Tough Roster Decisions Ahead of Opening Day

Team must finalize 26-man roster as spring training winds down

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:34pm

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The Cincinnati Reds are still working through difficult roster decisions as they approach the start of the 2026 MLB season. The team has been trimming its roster in recent days, with manager David Bell stating they are discussing the roster composition daily as they work to finalize the 26 players who will make the Opening Day roster.

Why it matters

The Reds are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and will need to assemble the best possible 26-man roster to compete in the NL Central. Finalizing the roster is a critical step in their preparations for the new season.

The details

The Reds have been evaluating their players throughout spring training, with difficult decisions to be made on the final roster spots. Manager David Bell noted they are having ongoing discussions to determine the optimal 26-man roster that will give the team the best chance of success in 2026.

  • The Reds continued to pare their roster in recent days.
  • Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season is approaching.

The players

David Bell

Manager of the Cincinnati Reds.

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What they’re saying

“We're talking through it every day”

— David Bell, Manager (Cincinnati.com)

What’s next

The Reds must finalize their 26-man roster before the start of the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

Finalizing the 26-man roster is a critical task for the Reds as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and field the best possible team to compete in the NL Central.