Cincinnati Reds: Who has minor-league options remaining?

Who has three minor-league options remaining?

(8) Nick Senzel, Shogo Akiyama, Michael Lorenzen, Tyler Stephenson, Tony Santillan, Tejay Antone, Joel Kuhnel, Ryan Hendrix

The Cincinnati Reds have nine players on the 40-man roster who still have three minor-league options remaining. Most prominent among them is last year’s rookie centerfielder Nick Senzel. Free agent signing Shogo Akiyama also makes the list, as does do-everything relief pitcher/ outfielder Michael Lorenzen.

It’s highly doubtful that we’ll see Senzel, Akiyama, or Lorenzen optioned to Triple-A Louisville. However, if Senzel is not yet healthy enough to begin the season with the big league club or Cincinnati decides that another position change is in order for the 24-year-old, the Reds have the option to send Senzel down to the minors. But, at this point, I don’t see either scenario happening.

Tyler Stephenson is likely to dip into the first of his minor-league options this season. The top catching prospect in the Reds organization will likely begin the 2020 season at Triple-A Louisville. It’s possible, but unlikely, that the 23-year-old could break camp with the big league club, but I can’t see that happening unless Tucker Barnhart or Curt Casali suffer an injury.

Tony Santillan and Tejay Antone will be looking to show that they have the stuff for the big leagues, but like Stephenson, they’ll likely begin the season at Triple-A Louisville. Joel Kuhnel and Ryan Hendrix will both be battling for a spot in the Reds bullpen once spring training begins. Pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear on February 13th.