Cincinnati Reds: Who has minor-league options remaining?

Who has two minor-league options remaining?

(7) Josh VanMeter, Luis Castillo, Jesse Winker, Alex Blandino, Tyler Mahle, Justin Shafer, Josh D. Smith

Seven players on the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster have two minor-league options remaining. One of the players on this list, Luis Castillo, need not worry about being sent down to the minors. Castillo was the Reds Opening Day starter and dominated opposing batters with his wicked changeup. Look for La Piedra to toe the rubber on Opening Day against the Cardinals in 2020.

Jesse Winker seems to be pretty secure as well. The 26-year-old has struggled to remain healthy the past two seasons, but when he’s on the field, he’s one of the better hitters in the Reds lineup. Last season, before landing on the injured list, Winker had a career-high in home runs (12) and a .357 on-base percentage. With competition in the outfield, this spring will be a big one for Winker.

A pair of relievers find themselves in a precarious spot. Both Justin Shafer and Josh D. Smith were not part of the Reds roster last season. Shafer pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays and Smith suited up for both the Cleveland Indians and Miami Marlins. Look for both relievers to be given a fair shake at winning a spot in the Cincinnati bullpen.

Josh VanMeter, Alex Blandino, and Tyler Mahle will have to fight to find a spot on the Opening Day roster. None of the three were expected to break camp with the Reds last year, but an injury to Alex Wood gave a starting spot to Mahle. That may be the only way he finds his way onto the 26-man roster this season as well. VanMeter and Blandino will be in a battle for a bench role in 2020.