3 Cincinnati Reds who will have a tough time competing for a 40-man roster spot

The Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster isn't completely full, but it's close. Add to the equation a number of non-roster invitees who will make a run at the squad and a couple top prospects who might appear on the Opening Day roster, and there's a handful of Reds players who might have a difficult time making the cut.

Last spring, Jonathan India earned a spot on the 40-man roster and went on to win NL Rookie of the Year. Tyler Naquin, Carson Fulmer, and Cam Bedrosian, all of whom were signed to minor-league deals with invites to spring training last offseason, were selected to the roster as well.

Players like Mark Payton, Kyle Holder, and R.J. Alaniz were shown the door. A similar fate likely awaits a few players currently on the Cincinnati 40-man roster. Unless these players show up big in spring training, their time in the Queen City may have run its course.

1. Reds OF Shogo Akiyama is clinging to a roster spot.

Two years ago, when Shogo Akiyama was signed to a three-year/$21M contract, it was assumed that he'd be sharing center field duties with Nick Senzel. As we look forward to the 2022, you could make the case that neither Akiyama or Senzel will be in the starting lineup on Opening Day.

Akiyama's major league career has seen its share of difficulties. The COVID-19 pandemic stopped spring training in its tracks two years ago, and the abbreviated 2020 season didn't really offer Akiyama the opportunity to showcase his talents.

Last spring saw Akiyama leave spring training to tend to his injured wife, and upon his return, the Japanese outfielder suffered a hamstring injury and began the season on the IL. The solid play of Tyler Naquin last season didn't help, and Shogo Akiyama was relegated to a utility outfielder. He finished last season with a -1.1 bWAR and a .535 OPS.

So why is Akiyama still on the Cincinnati Reds roster? The 33-year-old is owed $8M in 2022; the final year of his contract. Will Cincinnati hang on to Akiyama, knowing he'll be little more than a rotational outfielder? Or, will the Reds find a trade partner or perhaps just release Akiyama and absorb the hit? The Reds have other players who are more deserving of that spot on the 40-man roster.