5 Reds players who are on the hot seat following first round of spring training cuts

The Cincinnati Reds made their first round of spring training roster cuts earlier this week. It was about what you'd expect. Prospects like Cam Collier, Hector Rodriguez, and Chase Burns, all of whom received non-roster invites to spring training, were sent to minor-league camp. In total, the Reds subtracted seven players from major league camp.

But Reds manager Terry Francona has a long way to go until he whittles the Opening Day roster down to 26 players. None of the Reds from the 40-man roster have been reassigned just yet, and there are a number of non-roster invitees who are jockeying for position with less than three weeks until the 2025 season begins.

A player's performance during Cactus League games is not the only determining factor that Francona and the Reds coaching staff will use when evaluating who stays and who goes, but it's a pretty good measuring stick. Based on the spring performances from these five players, they've got a small window to turn things around or they'll risk being part of the next round of cuts.

5 Reds players who are on the hot seat following first round of spring training cuts

Cooper Bowman, Reds infielder

The Reds Rule 5 draftee has done nothing to solidify his spot on the roster. Cincinnati selected Bowman in December from the Athletics roster, but there's a good chance that the University of Louisivlle product will be offered back to his old team. Bowman has been anemic at the plate (2-for-21), and the Reds have plenty of players on the roster who can fill in as the 26th man on the roster.

Alex Young, Reds pitcher

Young's prospects of being selected to the Reds roster took a hit after Cincinnati traded for Taylor Rogers. Prior to that deal with the San Francisco Giants, the Reds had just two left-handed relievers (Sam Moll and Brent Suter) on the 40-man roster. With Rogers now in the mix, Young's only hope to make the roster will be as an injury replacement.

Austin Wynns, Reds catcher

Wynns is a defensive-minded catcher, and one that Cincinnati would love to keep in the organization heading into Opening Day. But with Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino set to open the season as the Reds' catching duo, there's just no room for Wynns on the roster. He's also been outplayed by former Miami Marlins backstop Will Banfield during the early-going this spring.

Bryan Shaw, Reds pitcher

Shaw followed Francona to Cincinnati after several successful stints with the Reds' skipper in Cleveland. But, at 37 years old, the ride might finally be over. Shaw has an uphill climb in order to be selected to the Reds Opening Day roster, and at the moment, Ian Gibaut has the inside track. Shaw has an inept 7.36 ERA in four outings, while Gibaut has looked crisp with sparkling 2.25 ERA.

Connor Phillips, Reds pitcher

Unlike the aforementioned quartet of players, Phillips would likely be optioned rather than DFA'd. But his showing this spring has been more of the same (too many walks), and if he's not careful, Cincinnati could look to move on from the 23-year-old if they need an extra spot on the 40-man roster. Phillips has just four strikeouts to six walks in three outings this spring.

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