A Look at the Reds Defense going into 2026

First base will be top prospect Sal Stewart’s spot for 2026, with occasional Eugenio Suarez appearances sprinkled in. Stewart is just 22 years old, coming off an impressive late-season and postseason run with the Reds in 2025. 2026 will be his official rookie season and Cincinnati’s starting first baseman.

He primarily played third and second base in the minor leagues, but with McLain and Hayes occupying those spots, he had to learn a new position on the fly.

In his small sample size, Stewart looked comfortable there and even registered 1 OAA. The 21-year-old put on an impressive showing, proving he could learn a new position quickly to help the team.

As MLB’s 31st overall prospect and the Reds’ top prospect, he will draw plenty of attention for his offensive ability, but his solid defensive floor is a significant plus.

Second Base

Onto the middle infielders, Matt McLain will be manning second base once again as he enters his third MLB season. McLain is a natural shortstop, but seeing as Elly De La Cruz is the franchise shortstop, he has been assigned as his double-play partner.

While many Reds fans were disappointed in McLain in 2025, none of the disappointment was due to his defense. McLain was one of the best defensive second basemen in MLB in 2025, as he had 4 OAA (87th percentile).

Despite his small stature, his arm strength is solid as well (41st percentile). He will be a huge part of the team’s success in 2026. He cannot repeat the struggles at the plate again, but it is still comforting that if and when he enters a slump, the defense will always be there.

Third Base

Another strength in the infield is Ke’Bryan Hayes manning the hot corner. The former Pittsburgh Pirate played down the stretch for the Reds after a midseason trade.

Hayes is one of the only players that you can bet on winning a Platinum Glove every season, and it wouldn’t be an insane thing to do. His 21 OAA (99th percentile) placed him third in the league, just behind Pete Crow-Armstrong and Bobby Witt Jr., who both had 24.

His offense has always been a problem, but it seemed to be better in Cincinnati. No matter what he does at the plate, the hot corner will not be a good place for hitters to hit the ball towards.

Shortstop

Perhaps the most controversial position for the Reds is shortstop, where Elly De La Cruz will be digging his cleats in once again. Judging by OAA first, De la Cruz was just around average to below average, as he had -2 OAA (23rd percentile). DRS didn’t grade out too well for him either, with -5 DRS in 2025. Most of these struggles can be attributed to the errors, where he made 26 in 2025 and 29 back in 2024.

His range is undeniably good, but it’s the routine plays that plague him at times. In 2024, it seemed like the defense clicked for him when he had 14 OAA (98th percentile), but the errors were still a problem. Fans complained about the errors and the drop off in the second half of 2025, where it seemed like De La Cruz was not himself on both sides of the ball.

Part of that can be attributed to his setting out a goal to play all 162, no doubt letting the fatigue get to him. It was visible on some of the errors late in the year where his legs just gave out from under him, or he couldn’t reach balls that he usually does.

With more experience and a better understanding of rest, De La Cruz will most likely return to his 2024 elite defensive form.

Left Field

After a season of Austin Hays and Gavin Lux out in left field, the Reds will see a new face out there in the form of JJ Bleday. The former first-round pick out of Vanderbilt made his way from Miami to Cincinnati in the offseason, where he’ll move over to left field instead of his usual center field spot.

Bleday did not grade out well in center field last year. In fact, he struggled mightily, with -8 OAA (5th percentile). Left field should suit him better, especially with his strong arm (81st percentile).

Another possibility is Spencer Steer, who has the ability to play left field but isn’t a true left fielder. There may be a righty-lefty platoon situation between the two, but Bleday’s defense will probably grade out better than Steer’s.

Center Field

Cincinnati’s leadoff hitter, TJ Friedl, will once again serve as their everyday center fielder. Despite losing some speed in 2025, Friedl still graded out well in the field, recording 1 OAA (72nd percentile). Most describe him as a gritty all-around player, and his solid centerfield defense shows up time and time again.

Right Field

Last but not least, Noelvi Marte, the right fielder? The former top prospect in Seattle and Cincinnati has seemingly found a home in right field after a period of uncertainty. Following a PED suspension and massive struggles on both sides of the ball, Marte seemed to be running out of time. As the team shifted toward a more competitive direction, he had little room to figure things out during the regular season.

However, once the team moved Marte to right field last season, he quickly began to shine at the plate and in the field. While his metrics (-4 OAA) remained low, he showed flashes of brilliance. Clutch home run robberies, diving grabs, and big-time outfield assists proved Marte possesses the tools of a great defensive outfielder; he just needs to refine his secondary position.