Jake Fraley DFA feels like the beginning of a massive Reds roster reset

In a rather surprising move, the Cincinnati Reds just designated Jake Fraley for assignment. Manager Terry Francona spoke to the media prior to Sunday's series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers and revealed the truth about Fraley's diminished role of late.

"Through conversations and there's some that are kind of private...I think the idea that kind of giving Jake a chance to go play, where maybe he thinks he deserves to play, which I understand, is maybe better than him sitting the bench here,” Francona told Cincinnati report Mike Petraglia.

Ever since Noelvi Marte made the move from third base to right field, Fraley's playing time was dramatically reduced. Since acquiring Ke'Bryan Hayes at the MLB trade deadline and shifting Marte to right field, Fraley appeared in just eight games and was 1-for-17 during that stretch.

Jake Fraley DFA feels like the beginning of a massive Reds roster reset

But with Fraley now off the Reds 40-man roster, Cincinnati has opened up a spot for top prospect Sal Stewart. The 21-year-old has worn out opposing pitching all season in the minor leagues, and since being promoted to Triple-A last month, h'es racked up more than a dozen doubles and mashed six home runs. Reds fans have been clamoring for the front office to make a move, and they may do just that.

But adding Stewart to the active roster will come with a cost. The Reds already proved their willingness to move from Fraley, but would they do the same to Matt McLain? Much like Fraley, McLain's role has been reduced over the past few weeks, and his stat line isn't much better. Since the calendar flipped to August, the former first-round pick is hitting just .225 with a 32 wRC+ in 44 plate appearances.

McLain was riding the pine again on Sunday, with Santiago Espinal getting the start at second base. The Reds are in the midst of a playoff race, and cannot afford to just wait around while McLain continues to struggle at the plate.

Calling up Stewart should definitely be on the table, and though Cincinnati would not DFA McLain, they could option him to Triple-A for the rest of the season. That's a bold move, and one that's not easily undone. But given McLain's lack of production and Stewart's red-hot bat, the Reds may not have much of a choice.

After turning down the Reds' offer for a contract extension this past offseason, McLain may have already signaled his desire to move on. If the Reds call up Stewart and send McLain back to the minor leagues, it's a virtual guarantee that he'll be on the trade block this coming winter.

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