Chase Burns NOT Predicted To Make Cincinnati Opening Day Roster By Reds Insider | MLB News, Rumors
Nick Kirby and Greg Kuffner break down the latest Cincinnati Reds news and the biggest storylines emerging this spring. They discuss Eugenio Suárez’s huge home run for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic and what his role could look like with the Reds in 2026, react to a Reds beat writer’s projection that Chase Burns won’t make the Opening Day roster, and dive into Andrew Abbott’s spring struggles.
They also cover Terry Francona naming Matt McLain the Reds’ No. 2 hitter, recap the latest roster cuts, and preview the final position battles as the Reds finalize their roster heading into the season.
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The latest around the Cincinnati Reds as Opening Day approaches is full of intrigue, uncertainty, and a mix of rising optimism and early adversity.
The biggest storyline right now starts with the rotation—and unfortunately, it’s not a positive one. Ace Hunter Greene is expected to miss significant time after undergoing elbow surgery, likely sidelining him until at least midseason. That’s a massive blow to a Reds team that was counting on him to anchor a rotation built to compete in 2026. Greene’s electric stuff makes him one of the most important players on the roster, and his absence immediately puts pressure on the rest of the staff.
That’s where Andrew Abbott steps in. Abbott has officially been named the Reds’ Opening Day starter, signaling just how much confidence the organization has in him. After emerging as one of the more consistent arms in the league over the last two seasons, Abbott now becomes the tone-setter for a rotation that still includes Nick Lodolo and Brady Singer, but suddenly looks much thinner at the top.
The fifth starter battle has been one of the most talked-about competitions all spring—and it directly ties into another major storyline: Chase Burns. The former top pick has electric upside and flashed it during his 2025 debut, but he’s still developing. Burns has been competing with names like Brandon Williamson, Rhett Lowder, and others for that final rotation spot. While he’s had moments this spring, there’s growing belief that the Reds may choose to be cautious with him rather than rush him onto the Opening Day roster.
That cautious approach would fit a broader theme with this organization: long-term development over short-term risk. With Greene already hurt, Cincinnati can’t afford to mishandle another key arm.
Offensively, there’s a lot more optimism—and a clear direction taking shape under manager Terry Francona. The Reds appear to be locking in a core at the top of the lineup, with TJ Friedl leading off, Matt McLain hitting second, and superstar Elly De La Cruz batting third. That trio represents the identity of this team: speed, athleticism, and explosive upside.
McLain, in particular, is a fascinating storyline. After an inconsistent 2025 season, the Reds are doubling down on him as a key table-setter. Francona’s commitment to keeping him in the No. 2 spot suggests the organization believes a breakout could be coming.
Meanwhile, Elly De La Cruz remains the most dynamic player on the roster. Even after a second-half dip in power last year, he’s still viewed as the engine of the offense—and a potential MVP-level talent if he puts everything together over a full season.
Another key piece is Spencer Steer, whose versatility continues to be incredibly valuable. The Reds are expected to move him around the field to keep his bat in the lineup regularly, especially as they try to balance playing time across a crowded group of hitters.
That crowd leads into one of the more under-the-radar battles: the bench and final roster spots. Several players—including Will Benson, JJ Bleday, and Rece Hinds—are competing for limited roles, and strong spring performances are forcing tough decisions. The Reds appear to be prioritizing offensive upside here, a clear response to inconsistency at the plate last season.
All of this comes as Cincinnati tries to build on a surprising 2025 campaign that saw them return to the playoffs for the first time in a full season in over a decade. Under Francona, the team has emphasized fundamentals, defense, and situational hitting—an approach that helped accelerate their timeline and turn them into a legitimate contender.
Now, the question is whether they can take the next step.
11 comments
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Omaha Steaks?
Cool' thanks guys for the headed up About our red's! great talks on what players will become starter for opening Day❤😂
Tito and company love to make comments like this. It gives us fans something to talk about.
Nick can you do an opening day festivities segment this week. I have never been to an opening day and I live in NC. I would love some info on the festivities around the ballpark.
McClain should lead off and Ella hit 2nd. Sal hit 3rd. Put TJ 9th. That’s our best lineup. It’s time to do this.
No offense but I hope we don’t see Dunn this year. We need better players on the field.
I say benson over steer against a righty.
I can’t comment on this bleday guy. Never seen him play. But I hope he goes off this year. I hope the whole team goes off.
Marte has great talent but I’m worried that he will never be a good consistent player. Great talent though. I hope he goes off year though. Marte can’t play third and he can’t play right either at this point.
At least we don’t hurtibise this year. I’m pretty sure that’s a disease and definitely not a major league ball player