4 Reds players who will be back next year but probably shouldn't

The Cincinnati Reds will be turning over a new leaf when the 2025 season begins. The Reds fired David Bell last month and will head into next season with Terry Francona steering the ship.

There will be a number of roster decisions to be made before Opening Day next season, but the Reds have never been one to go all-in when it comes to free agency. So while there are sure to be some changes, a good portion of the Reds roster will be back next season; perhaps even some who shouldn't be.

While Reds fans would love to see a number of new players join the active roster next spring, the harsh reality is that Cincinnati's ownership group does not operate like the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Yankees. Thus, the Reds will likely hold onto to a handful of players they should probably let go. Which Reds players will be back next year but probably shouldn't?

4 Reds players who will be back next year but probably shouldn't

Stuart Fairchild, Reds outfielder

Stuart Fairchild ended his 2024 season on the injured list. The former second-round pick was relied upon heavily during the first couple of months while starting centerfielder TJ Friedl was on and off the injured list. Fairchild held his own against left-handed pitching, but was virtually unplayable when a right-hander was on the bump.

Fairchild has good speed and plays above-average defense, but that's not enough to warrant a spot on the Reds' active roster. Though Fairchild will make the league minimum next season, he's also out of minor-league options. The Reds should be able to find a comparable outfielder in their farm system who offers them the ability to yo-yo that player between the major and minor leagues, but don't be surprised if Fairchild returns to Cincinnati next season.

Will Benson, Reds outfielder

Will Benson possesses a number of the same qualities as Fairchild. Benson offers above-average speed and defense, but unlike his right-handed hitting counterpart, Benson does have minor-league options remaining.

That may well save Benson's spot on the 40-man roster, because his stats certainly don't warrant inclusion. Benson struck out far too much in 2024, and if he doesn't adjust his swing coming into camp next season, his time in Cincinnati will be short. Benson had a fantastic 2023 season, but his 2024 campaign was equally dreadful. There is reason be believe the Reds could cut ties with Benson this winter, but he'll likely survive the non-tender deadline by the skin of his teeth.

Lyon Richardson, Reds pitcher

Lyon Richardson isn't necessarily in danger of being non-tendered, but if the Reds begin to acquire an influx of talent — either through free agency or trades — it's quite conceivable that Richardson could be a roster casualty.

The right-hander is a former second-round draft pick, so he has that going for him. But in two years since his elevation to the 40-man roster, Richardson has made just five big league appearances and the results have not been good. But Cincinnati has a long track record of holding onto pitchers like Richardson much longer than they should, and so long as an extra roster spot isn't needed, look for the Reds to hang on to the 24-year-old.

Jeimer Candelario, Reds infielder

This will be a point of contention all offseason. While a number of Reds fans hope that Cincinnati is able to find a trade partner for Jeimer Candelario, that seems unlikely given the remaining $30 million salary attached to his contract. The Reds made Candelario one of the biggest offseason signings a year ago, but his first year in Cincinnati couldn't have gone much worse.

If the Reds outright release Candelario and no one claims him off waivers — which they won't — then Cincinnati is on the hook for the remainder of his deal. The Reds cut ties with Mike Moustakas prior to 2023, but he had just one year remaining on his contract. Unless Nick Krall and Co. find a sucker to take on Candelario's contract, expect him back in Cincinnati next season.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors