3 players you may have forgotten were on the 2024 Reds Opening Day roster

Opening Day is just around the corner. There's no doubt that Terry Francona and his coaching staff have outlined most of the players who'll be part of 2025 Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Hunter Greene are locks to be on the roster, while some fringe players may have an outside shot depending on the injury status of players like Spencer Steer and Andrew Abbott.

This year's club, especially with Francona at the helm, looks ready to compete for a spot in the MLB Playoffs this season. Of course, the same sentiment was felt last season until injuries and suspensions turned the Reds roster upside down.

McLain was saddled with a shoulder injury, TJ Friedl suffered a fractured wrist, and Noelvi Marte was suspended for the first 80 games of the season due to PED use. Those losses were certainly reflected in the 2024 Reds Opening Day roster, and some fans may have forgotten some of the players who actually broke camp with the big league ball club last spring.

3 players you may have forgotten were on the 2024 Reds Opening Day roster

Tejay Antone, Reds pitcher

Antone was part of the 2024 Reds Opening Day roster, but his time was short-lived. Antone had endured a trying season in 2022, but was able to return to the mound in 2023. However, a late-season hiccup forced him back on the IL. Antone was determined, however, to be part of the 2024 Reds Opening Day roster.

He did just that and pitched in the opening series finale against the Washington Nationals. But three games later, Antone endured yet another injury. Antone suffered a partial ligament tear and was placed on the 60-day IL. Antone was outrighted this offseason, but remains with the organization. The right-hander hopes to pitch again sometime later this season.

Nick Martini, Reds outfielder

Martini wasn't only part of the Reds Opening Day roster; he was the star. Martini got the Reds' home run party started on Opening Day with a deep blast to right field. He doubled down on his power-packed performance with a second home run in as many at-bats.

Unfortunately, his two homer performance during Game 1 of the season may have been the highlight of Martini's Reds career. He hit just .212/.272/.370 with five homers and was cut loose this past fall. Martini latched on with the Colorado Rockies this past spring and is attempting to be part of their Opening Day roster this season.

Bubba Thompson, Reds outfielder

Thompson was a waiver wire darling last year. The Reds initially claimed Thompson off waivers from the Kansas City Royals in October of 2023. The Reds then let Thompson go and he was picked up by the New York Yankees. One more round of cuts saw Thompson wind up with the Minnesota Twins before eventually landing back in Cincinnati in February of last year.

But without Friedl, the Reds needed another outfielder and Thompson's speed was too good for David Bell and the Reds coaching staff to pass up. He hit just .111 in 17 games for the Reds last season before retiring during this past winter. Thompson has since become a walk-on at South Alabama.

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