Reds pitcher Carson Spiers among first round of spring training cuts

Story by

Pat Brennan, Cincinnati Enquirer

Mon, Mar 2, 2026 ·

2 min read

GOODYEAR, AZ − The Cincinnati Reds ' first cuts of the spring included pitcher Carson Spiers and 21-year-old prospect Cam Collier.

The Reds on March 2 announced the reassignments of catcher Connor Burns, infielder Michael Chavis , Collier, Spiers, Michael Toglia and pitcher Joey Valdez, bringing the big-league camp roster to 51.

Spiers, 28, in 2025 underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery to repair his right elbow. That followed three early-season appearances, two of which were starts. The surgery recovery was expected to hinder Spiers into 2026, and Reds manager Terry Francona said March 2 Spiers was progressing through his plan for recovery.

"That, to me, is more just a paper move," Francona said. "He'll move his locker but that's it, and he knows that. He's a smart kid. He gets it... His program will not change an iota."

Spiers is throwing up to 75 feet.

Collier had just seven at-bats and one hit in camp prior to his reassignment. Francona praised his progression following a thumb injury in March 2025.

"He did a really good job with his body while he was down," Francona said. "Just kind of reminded him, like I did this morning, to enjoy being young and embracing, like, what's in front of you. Not so fixated on getting to the next level. Just see how good you can get."

Cincinnati Reds infielder Cam Collier (82) poses for a portrait during the Cincinnati Reds picture day, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Cincinnati Reds player development complex in Goodyear, Ariz.

Toglia had two hits this spring for Cincinnati, one of which was a walk-off game-winning single in the Reds' Feb. 24 win against the Royals.

"Interesting kid. Really good kid," Francona said. "Switch hitter. He's got big power. We kind of brought him in here knowing they wanted to work on some things with him... It's an early send-down but I don't know if riding the bus to get that at-bat is going to be the best way to find his swing, so let him go down before they start games. The messaging if going to be the same."

Valdez was dealing with a shoulder impingement, team officials confirmed.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Carson Spiers, Cam Collier among Reds spring training cuts