3 Reds players who shouldn’t be on the 40-man roster by spring training

Who stays and who goes?

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jacob Hurtubise
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jacob Hurtubise | Dylan Buell/GettyImages

The Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster is at full capacity. If the Reds plan to make any moves between now and spring training, somebody's got to go. Teams are able to use the 60-day IL once pitchers and catchers report, and with Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar sidelined with elbow injuries, Cincinnati's roster will soon be trimmed to 38.

But do the Reds really need to take all 40 players to Goodyear in a few weeks? While the Reds would be foolish to just cut a player for no reason at this stage of the offseason, Reds fans are hoping to see their favorite club make a move or two before the team makes the flight to Arizona next month.

Obviously players like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and Nick Lodolo are safe, but there are a few players who's 40-man roster spot isn't so secure. Which three players should be on the Reds 40-man roster when the team arrives in Goodyear?

3 Reds players who shouldn’t be on the 40-man roster by spring training

Lyon Richardson, Reds pitcher

Lyon Richardson is a former second-round draft pick, but injuries have crippled his once promising career. Cincinnati added Richardson to the 40-man roster two years ago, but he's appeared in just five games for the Reds and has struggled mightily with walks in both the major and minor leagues.

Last season, Richardson spent most of the year at Triple-A Louisville. In 25 games, including 19 starts, Richardson posted an unsightly 13.4% walk rate and his strikeout rate dipped from 34.5% in 2023 to 21.1%. The Reds should be able to pass Richardson through waivers, and then outright him to Triple-A.

Jacob Hurtubise, Reds outfielder

Jacob Hurtubise has a tremendous story off the field, but his on-the-field production leaves a lot to be desired. Hurtubise has blazing speed, plays above-average defense, and possesses a great eye at the dish. But his brief introduction to the big leagues was rather underwhelming.

The West Point graduate has very little pop and fills a similar niche to three other players on the Reds 40-man roster. Jake Fraley, Will Benson, and TJ Friedl offer a similar style of play — with more power from the left side — making Hurtubise's role on the ball club rather redundant. If the Reds add an outfielder before spring training, look for Hurtubise to fall on the sword.

Cooper Bowman, Reds infielder

Cooper Bowman is not a household name for many Reds fans. The former Athletics infielder was selected in the Rule 5 Draft just over a month ago. Originally drafted by the New York Yankees in 2021, the University of Louisville product is known for his speed and versatility.

But the Reds have plenty of team speed, and with the addition of Gavin Lux, it's doubtful that Bowman will be part of the team's Opening Day roster anyway. As a Rule 5 draftee, Bowman must be on the Reds' active roster all season or be offered back to the A's. Given the Reds overall depth, there's a good chance the A's get the opportunity to reclaim their lost prospect.

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