The Cincinnati Reds currently have a full 40-man roster, meaning any moves they make before spring training will require clearing space. Once pitchers and catchers report, teams can utilize the 60-day injured list, and with Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar sidelined by elbow injuries, the Reds’ roster will soon shrink to 38 players.
However, does Cincinnati need to bring all 40 players to Goodyear for spring training? While it wouldn’t make sense to cut a player without cause at this point in the offseason, fans are eager to see the Reds make a move or two before heading to Arizona next month.
Key players like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and Nick Lodolo are locks for the roster, but some players may not have such secure spots. So, who are the three players that should definitely make the cut for the Reds’ 40-man roster in Goodyear?
3 Reds players who shouldn’t be on the 40-man roster by spring training
Lyon Richardson, Reds pitcher
Lyon Richardson, a former second-round draft pick, has seen his once-promising career derailed by injuries. Cincinnati added him to their 40-man roster two years ago, but he has only managed to appear in five games for the Reds, struggling significantly with control issues at both the major and minor league levels.
Last season, Richardson spent the majority of his time at Triple-A Louisville, where he made 25 appearances, including 19 starts. However, his performance was concerning, with a high 13.4% walk rate and a drop in strikeout rate from 34.5% in 2023 to 21.1%. The Reds are likely to be able to place Richardson on waivers and then assign him outright to Triple-A.
Jacob Hurtubise, Reds outfielder
Jacob Hurtubise has an incredible off-field story, but his on-field performance leaves much to be desired. He boasts exceptional speed, above-average defense, and a sharp eye at the plate. However, his brief stint in the big leagues was less than impressive.
As a West Point graduate, Hurtubise lacks power and occupies a similar role to several other players on the Reds’ 40-man roster, including Jake Fraley, Will Benson, and TJ Friedl, who all bring more left-handed power to the table. If the Reds acquire another outfielder before spring training, Hurtubise’s spot on the roster may be in jeopardy.
Cooper Bowman, Reds infielder
Cooper Bowman may not be a familiar name to many Reds fans. The former Athletics infielder, selected in the Rule 5 Draft just over a month ago, was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in 2021. A product of the University of Louisville, Bowman is recognized for his speed and versatility.
However, with the Reds already boasting strong team speed and the addition of Gavin Lux, it seems unlikely Bowman will make the Opening Day roster.
As a Rule 5 draftee, Bowman must remain on the Reds’ active roster all season or be offered back to the Athletics. Considering the Reds’ overall depth, there’s a strong possibility the A’s may reclaim their former prospect.
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