Spring Training '24: David Bell's initial overview, platoon options, and position changes

Baseball is back and Spring Training is officially underway for the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear, AZ. Pitchers and catchers reported Wednesday the 14th and position players will report Monday the 19th. Even with position players still in route to the desert, Reds manager David Bell has already been bombarded with questions surrounding the logjam of infield talent on the roster.

"Going into it, Elly will play a lot of short, and Matt will play a lot of second. Everything else, we've just got to let it play out." said Bell when speaking to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer. There is no denying the talent the Reds possess in the infield. With the arrivals of De la Cruz, McLain, Encarnacion-Strand, and offseason free agent signing Jeimer Candelario, the Reds have limited availability for playing time around the diamond.

The effects of prospects being promoted to the big league roster have already been seen in 2023, with 3B Spencer Steer being moved to primarily left field and 2B Jonathan India being moved around and spending a lot of time as the designated hitter. This season, Bell sees India working in some corner outfield and DH spots, and Jeimer Candelario doing the same. Christian Encarnacion-Strand will be working in RF as well as 1B.

The Reds have the most versatile roster in baseball. Nick Krall and David Bell understand that, which is why Bell hinted at an 11-man platoon format for the club this season. This season could be a great experiment for the Reds, how much can you shuffle the deck before you lose a substantial amount of value in WAR? Last season, Spencer Steer managed to withstand the utility player role, remaining above the replacement line with a 2.1 WAR. It will be a feeling out process for Bell and the Reds, but the ability to have diverse lineups and the ability to get hot bats in the lineup could prove monumental for the Reds playoff hopes.