Cincinnati Reds: Which players are out of minor league options?

One minor league option remaining (15)

Eugenio Suárez, José Peraza, Sal Romano, Cody Reed, Scott Schebler, Phillip Ervin, Brandon Finnegan, Amir Garrett, Raisel Iglesias, Juan Graterol, Kyle Farmer, Aristides Aquino, Lucas Sims, Keury Mella, and Jackson Stephens

Okay, let’s unpack this group of players who have one minor league option remaining, shall we? Eugenio Suárez, José Peraza, Scott Schebler, and Raisel Iglesias will start and end the season, provided they stay healthy, on the Cincinnati Reds 25-man roster.

Aristides Aquino, Juan Graterol, Lucas Sims, Keury Mella, and Jackson Stephens will almost certainly be optioned to the minor leagues to begin the season. One or more may receive a promotion to the big leagues at some point in 2019, but that may not come until September.

Now, let’s get into the real part of this discussion. Sal Romano, Brandon Finnegan, and Cody Reed all saw time as a starting pitcher last season for the Reds. This season, all three are battling for the final spot in the bullpen and in the end, all three could start the season in Triple-A Louisville.

Kyle Farmer is an interesting name on this list. While he’s not expected to make a bid for the Opening Day roster, he’s been opening eyes during Spring Training and could find himself on the big league roster this summer if the Reds suffer some injuries among their infielders.

Amir Garrett has had a rough spring thus far. While most folks expect Garrett to break camp with the Cincinnati Reds, having that option year gives the team the ability to take a player who may be out of options and carry him on the 25-man roster after camp breaks. With Finnegan, Peralta, Reed, and Zach Duke, the Reds have a plethora of left-handed relievers.

The most intriguing name on this list has to be Phillip Ervin. Where does the former first round pick fit on this team. While he’s a talented offensive player, Ervin has been a liability defensively in the past. An overcrowded outfield makes squeezing Ervin onto the 25-man roster even more difficult, so don’t be shocked if he begins the season with the Louisville Bats.