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

2. Jake Bauers has an uphill climb to make the Reds roster.

The Cincinnati Reds signed Jake Bauers to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Bauers was a former top prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, and was part of three-team trade in December of 2018 that sent the first baseman to Cleveland.

Bauers had a horrendous start to the 2021 season, and after hitting .190/.277/.280, Cleveland designated the 26-year-old for assignment. Bauers latched on with the Mariners and hit .220/.297/.275 in 75 games with Seattle. For his career, Bauers has a .655 OPS.

Jake Bauers has done nothing but get progressively worse during his time in the major leagues. Bauers' best season (2018) still only saw him post a .700 OPS to go along with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs.

Now, if you're looking for pop, Bauers has it. A seventh-round pick back in 2013, the California native has always had plus-power. While Bauers has a relatively high strikeout-rate (26.4%), it's not as if he's reaching Eugenio Suárez status. Geno has posted a 29.6% strikeout-rate over the last two seasons combined.

Still, Bauers has familiarity at first base and can play the corner outfield as well. But after Joey Votto's renaissance season in 2021, barring injury, it's hard to see the Cincinnati Reds' need for a backup at first base. Jake Bauers has an outside shot to make the ball club, but he'll have to impress once spring training gets underway.