Cincinnati Reds: Three players who could benefit from expanded rosters

2. Mark Payton, Outfielder

The Cincinnati Reds outfield is crowded. The additions of Shogo Akiyama and Nick Castellanos will certainly impact the playing time of last year’s holdovers Nick Senzel, Phillip Ervin and Jesse Winker. However, Rule 5 draftee Mark Payton may find a home as a reserve outfielder if the roster is expanded.

Few players within the Reds organization may have been more impacted by the halt of spring training than Mark Payton. In 14 Cactus League games, the left-handed hitter connected on nine hits and racked up four RBIs with a .333 on-base percentage. Payton, being a Rule 5 Draft pick, must be on the Reds Opening Day roster or be offered back to the Oakland A’s.

If the rosters are expanded by two to three spots, the Reds would be foolish not to take advantage of the loophole and keep Payton on the roster. The former New York Yankees farmhand is a versatile defender who’s able to play all three outfield positions.

Last season for Triple-A Las Vegas, Mark Payton put up some fantastic offensive numbers. The 28-year-old hit .334/.400/.653 with 30 doubles, 30 home runs and 97 RBIs. Payton’s potential should be enough to keep him on the roster.

Given that Aristides Aquino had opened up Cactus League play so poorly and has one minor-league option remaining, it makes the most sense for Cincinnati to hang onto Payton and send The Punisher back to Triple-A Louisville. Payton also offers more upside than fellow outfielders Scott Schebler and Travis Jankowski, both of whom are still on the 40-man roster.