Ultimate Guide to 2024 Cincinnati Reds: Outfield

The Cincinnati Reds enter the 2024 season with high expectations. They are deep in key areas, but have plenty of questions that need to be answered. The most tumultuous position group is in the outfield.

Last year the Reds saw a stellar performance from TJ Friedl and the beginnings of a breakout from Will Benson. Both showed plenty of speed and ability to hit and get on base. They will anchor this group, though Benson provides a weakness that the Reds aren’t readily able to mitigate.

Spencer Steer will move to the outfield for the majority of his playing time this season. He will play left field or right field—it'll vary when Benson is in the lineup. 

Jake Fraley will also factor into the equation quite a lot. He was deadly at the plate against right-handed pitching before suffering a stress fracture in his left fourth toe. Like Benson, though, Fraley struggles against left-handed pitching and the Reds have made it a point to limit both of their exposure to them.

Related: Ultimate Guide to 2024 Reds Starting Rotation

That makes four outfielders, but only two that the Reds can trust against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers. Eight roster spots should be taken up by infielders and catchers, which means the fifth outfielder needs to be able to play well against left-handed pitching.

Ideally, that fifth outfielder would also need to be a competent centerfielder. That means the Reds will likely begin the season with either Jose Barrero or Stuart Fairchild on the team. Choosing either one means the other will be placed on waivers as they are sent to Triple-A, enabling other teams to be able to add them to their roster.

Fairchild has shown to be a competent centerfielder and capable against left-handed pitching. Barrero was once a top-ranked prospect. The Reds will be deciding between a small measure of stability and upside.

Related: Ultimate Guide to 2024 Reds Infield

There is also the chance Jonathan India becomes a competent outfielder. He could play left field and move Steer to right field, when the opposing team has a left-handed pitcher on the mound. India’s questions he will have to answer all revolve around fielder. Can he track a fly ball consistently? Can he make the necessary throw from the outfield? India will be given the chance to answer these questions. If he does it successfully, the Reds will be much better off for it.

This position group could use one more addition, which the Reds may be able to make. Whether through free agency, or a waiver wire addition of their own during spring training. If the Reds do add another player, or if they go with one of their own, the outfield depth will be a question going into the regular season.