5 Reds players who've already proven they don't belong on roster after May 1

It's been a rough start to the 2025 season for the Cincinnati Reds. With Terry Francona leading the way, many Reds fans expected a fast start to the season, but instead have been treated to three straight series losses.

Cincinnati lost a heartbreaker on Opening Day and then put up three straight losses by a final score of 1-0. The Reds compounded their misery with a poor showing on the road in Milwaukee against their NL Central rival, and now head to San Francisco looking for their first series win of the 2025 season.

It's been a collective failure, but there've been a handful of unproductive performances at the outset. While it's still very early, Reds fans can plainly see that a number of players currently on the roster won't be around for long. Which five Reds players don't belong on the roster after May 1st?

5 Reds players who've already proven they don't belong on roster after May 1

Jake Fraley, Reds outfielder

Every Reds fan was willing to offer Fraley plenty of grace last season knowing that he was playing with a heavy-heart while dealing with an extremely difficult situation off the field. Unfortunately Fraley's production is still below-average, and there's just no way to justify keeping him on the active roster with players like Will Benson and Noelvi Marte playing so well at Triple-A. It's time for the Reds to option Fraley back to the minor leagues, but his late-scratch from Monday's lineup may see him land on the IL instead.

Ian Gibaut, Reds pitcher

Reds fans know that Francona is partially to blame for Gibaut's Opening Day debacle that saw the San Francisco Giants rally in the ninth inning for the 6-4 win. But Gibaut's inclusion on the active roster has done little more than keep a spot warm for one of Alexis Díaz, Zach Maxwell, Yosver Zulueta, or Lyon Richardson. Look for Gibaut to be DFA'd before the end of the month.

Carson Spiers, Reds pitcher

Spiers had a tremendous spring, and his first start of the season was terrific. But Spiers' luck ran out this past Sunday in Milwaukee. The right-hander gave up four runs on five hits and was lifted after just 66 pitches. Both Andrew Abbott and Wade Miley will be back very soon, meaning Spiers is likely ticketed for a trip back to Louisville, Kentucky.

Jacob Hurtubise, Reds outfielder

Hurtubise's spot on the Reds Opening Day roster was always questionable. A tireless worker, Hurtubise had a solid showing during spring training, but he's been little more than pinch hitter and late-game defensive replacement for Fracona thus far. There are too many high-upside players at Triple-A Louisville for Hurtubise to continue to maintain a spot on the Reds active roster into the month of May.

Sam Moll, Reds pitcher

Moll had a tumultuous spring, and he hasn't looked much better since the 2025 season began. Moll's velocity has dropped, and rather than a trip to the minors, he may need a stint on the IL. The Reds will be fine with fellow lefties Brent Suter and Taylor Rogers on the roster, and Joe La Sorsa is just a phone call away.

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