3 players facing their last chance with Reds heading out of the All-Star break

Once the unofficial second-half of the 2025 season begins, all eyes will quickly shift toward the upcoming MLB trade deadline. The Cincinnati Reds open the second-half on Friday with a series against the New York Mets, and it's imperative that Terry Francona's club begins to pile up wins almost immediately. If not, the Reds could turn from buyers into sellers rather quickly.

As such, there won't be much patience for some of those marginal players who are barely hanging on to a 40-man roster spot. Those players who are middling in the minor leagues and others who were mired in a slump heading into the All-Star break will need to start fast or they could be handed a pink slip in the coming days.

It's put up or shut up time for a handful of Reds players, and the next two weeks represent what could very well be their last chance to remain with the club. With that in mind, which three Reds players are on thin-ice heading into the second-half of the 2025 season?

3 players facing their last chance with Reds heading out of the All-Star break

Joe La Sorsa, Reds pitcher

Joe La Sorsa is currently down at Triple-A Louisville, but after having his contract selected earlier this season, is clinging to an all-important 40-man roster spot. La Sorsa has made three appearances in the big leagues this season and owns a horrifying 11.57 ERA. Since returning to the minors in mid-June, La Sora has struck out 12 batters in nine appearances, but that might not be enough to keep his roster spot following the All-Star break.

Yosver Zulueta, Reds pitcher

Much like La Sora, Yosver Zulueta is holding on to a very important 40-man roster spot. The right-hander has been little more than a placeholder at various points throughout the season, suggesting that the Reds' brass has very little faith in the former Toronto Blue Jays prospect. Zulueta has seen his walks tick up in the minor leagues this season, and with the trade deadline approaching, his spot on the 40-man roster is definitely in jeopardy.

Connor Joe, Reds outfielder

Connor Joe's in the very precarious spot heading into the second-half of the 2025 season. His defensive versatility certainly helps his case, but he's struggled against lefties this season — something that doesn't help his case to remain on the active roster. The Reds sent Rece Hinds back to Triple-A in order to activate Joe from the IL, but if the veteran fails to make his mark post-All-Star break, he could become a roster casualty.

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