3 Reds who could become expendable if Edwin Arroyo is fast-tracked to MLB

Reds fans have seen this movie before. A highly-touted prospect coming up through the farm system is lauded by scouts and impetuous fans who are eager to see how he performs at the Major League level. After a lost season due to shoulder surgery, Edwin Arroyo is finding success at the Arizona Fall League and is knocking on the door of the big leagues.

Arroyo could have made it to The Show in 2024, but an injury during spring training forced the 21-year-old to miss the entire season. Reds GM Brad Meador is on record as saying that Arroyo will likely begin the 2025 season at Double-A, but that's subject to change.

If Arroyo continues his ascent through the Reds' minor league system, it won't be long before Cincinnati will be forced to add him to the active roster. That could happen as soon as this season, and Arroyo's presence could threaten a number of Reds players. Who could become expendable if Arroyo is fast-tracked to the majors?

3 Reds players who could become expendable if Edwin Arroyo reaches his ceiling

Jonathan India, Reds second baseman

The most obvious player who could eventually lose his roster spot to Arroyo is Jonathan India. The 2021 NL Rookie of the Year is no stranger to hearing his name pop up in trade rumors, and with just two years of team control remaining, look for India to be named as an offseason trade candidate early and often this winter.

Arroyo is blocked at shortstop by budding superstar Elly De La Cruz, but the slick-fielding infielder could be a defensive wizard at second base. If Arroyo is seen as a long-term fixture, India could become expendable.

Santiago Espinal, Reds infielder

It seems unlikely that Cincinnati would call-up Arroyo in order to fill a utility role, but if the Reds are looking to save money this offseason, the club could cut ties with Santiago Espinal. The former All-Star joined the Reds last spring and displayed good defensive skills while being deployed all over the diamond.

But Espinal is owed a pay raise in 2025, and the Reds may look to non-tender the 29-year-old this offseason if they feel that Arroyo could be plugged in at various spots across the infield. This would be less than ideal from a development standpoint, but could help Cincinnati cut some cost if they're looking to spend elsewhere.

Noelvi Marte, Reds infielder

The Reds would be foolish to trade Noelvi Marte this offseason — his trade value is lower than it's ever been. But if another club, seeing Cincinnati's infield depth, was willing to offer a trade package that helped the Reds to win right now, president of baseball operations Nick Krall would have to at least consider it.

The Reds have enough serviceable players to take over at third base, including Matt McLain. If the Reds decided to trade Marte and inserted McLain at the hot corner, Arroyo could man the keystone and give Cincinnati a top tier defensive infield in 2025.

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