With a 32 game spring training schedule starting on Saturday, what are some of the storylines that will have your attention between now and Opening Day?

Here’s my 12-pack of storylines:

The default storyline is always health. A year ago the Reds broke camp with Tyler Stephenson, Andrew Abbott, Austin Hays, Alexis Diaz, Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson on the IL. 

Chase Burns appears to hold the inside track to the 5th spot. Can he seal the deal?

How does Rhett Lowder look and feel after throwing just 9.1 innings all of 2025?

Can Matt McLain find early success and build confidence? He’s now a season plus removed from his shoulder surgery. He reportedly added 12 pounds of muscle in the offseason.

After an impressive, but small sample size MLB debut, 22-year old Sal Stewart seems to have the inside track to the Opening Day 1B job. Can he back that belief with a strong spring? He lost 26 pounds in the offseason. He figures to get some spring looks at 2B. 

Nathaniel Lowe is the spring Wild Card. Despite 153 starts and over 600 plate appearances with 18 HR and 84 RBI, he was without a gig until a week ago. After signing a minor league deal, can he carve out a bench spot with a strong spring? Would a spring struggle by Stewart put Lowe in a position for the starting job at 1B?

How does Tito handle the spring work for Emilio Pagan and Tony Santillan? Both had career high workloads in 2025. How does Tito navigate the line of easing them in, but preparing them for Opening Day?

Who secures the three bench spots, beyond Jose Trevino, from a grouping of Will Benson, JJ Bleday, Dane Myers, Lowe and Michael Toglia?

Can Tyler Callihan bounce back from his gruesome wall collision and snag the final bench spot?

How do players, seemingly in the Bermuda Triangle of roster status, fare in Goodyear? Can Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Blake Dunn and Rece Hinds.

Who takes the next step to secure the eighth and final bullpen spot between Zach Maxwell and Luis Mey? Or, can Sam Moll impress and make it a three lefty pen?

Does the feel-good, root-for story of Tejay Antone continue?Â