3 Reds players who don't deserve another season in Cincinnati

3. Ryan Hendrix, Reds pitcher

Ryan Hendrix has been in the Cincinnati Reds system for a long time, but it might be time to cut ties with the 27-year-old. Hendrix finally made his big league debut in 2021, but after a red-hot start, opposing hitters began to tattoo the right-hander.

Hendrix's first five appearances, which totaled three innings of work, saw the rookie strikeout five batters while not allowing a single run to dent the plate. The next five appearances told a different story. Hendrix went 4.1 innings, walked five batters, and only struck out three while allowing seven hits and five runs.

Hendrix put together 31.2 innings of work during his first season in the big leagues. His 9.95 K/9 was solid, but the 4.55 BB/9 was not good, and neither was Hendrix's 2.27 HR/9. Hendrix recorded 35 strikeouts, 16 free passes, and eight round trippers.

Ryan Hendrix was sent back to Triple-A near the end of July and never returned to the big leagues. Hendrix pitched 15.2 innings for the Louisville Bats with an ERA of 8.62. Despite the Reds horrendous bullpen in 2021, Hendrix lack of success upon his return to the minors did not instill any confidence in the Cincinnati coaching staff.

Ryan Hendrix is still under team control through the 2026 season, so it would not be outrageous to see the Cincinnati Reds hang on to the right-handed hurler with the expectation of him returning to form. But, the presence of other relievers already on the 40-man roster coupled with young pitcher like Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft coming up through the system may pose a threat to Hendrix's standing on the team.