3 Reds in danger of losing a roster spot after Brent Suter signing

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The Cincinnati Reds reportedly signed left-handed reliever Brent Suter to a one-year contract on Thursday. According to FanSided's Robert Murray, sources say the deal pays Suter $2.5 million in 2024 with a $3.5 million club option for 2025.

This is great news for the Reds, as Suter will now be the third left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster. However, since Cincinnati's roster is currently maxed out, a corresponding move will have to made. That means, somebody will lose their roster spot.

The Reds unexpectedly designated Austin Wynns for assignment shortly after signing him to a split-contract earlier this offseason. Wynns was outrighted to Triple-A Louisville and remained with the organization. But the Reds might not be so lucky with this impending move. Who's most likely to be removed from the 40-man roster?

1. Reds reliever Daniel Duarte is in danger of losing his roster spot.

Daniel Duarte has been through this before. The right-hander was cut loose after the 2022 season, but was brought back on a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training last season. Duarte worked his way back to the big leagues, and actually had some impactful moments with the Reds in 2023.

But if you take an objective look at the current crop of relievers on the Cincinnati roster, Duarte may not fit anymore. After the 2023 season, Duarte looked like a solid depth option heading into the winter. But the Reds have actively added several pieces to the relief corps this offseason.

In addition to Brent Suter, the Reds have signed Emilio Pagán, Nick Martinez, and Buck Farmer to free agent contracts. Throw in young prospects like Casey Legumina (whom the Reds traded for last offseason) and Lyon Richardson, and Cincinnati's pitching staff is overflowing with young talent at this point.

It's possible that Duarte could survive this most recent signing, and the right-hander does have minor-league options remaining. But he could be atop the list of cuts once the Reds make Suter's signing official.

2. Reds outfielder Nick Martini is in danger of losing his roster spot.

We keep talking about it, and yet he keeps on surviving. Nick Martini appears to have nine lives at this point. With the numerous additions Cincinnati has made this offseason, it seemed like only a matter of time before the 33-year-old is shown the door.

That said, Cincinnati's lack of a veteran presence in the clubhouse could be a big reason why Martini is still clinging to a roster spot. The Reds parted company with Curt Casali and Joey Votto earlier this offseason, so their veteran leadership is lacking.

Martini was responsible for two clutch moments during the 2023 season, but overall, his performance was very middle-of-the-road. Oftentimes, Great American Ball Park has a way of turning below-average players into something they're not. While he did so for an extended time, Brandon Drury used his time in Cincinnati to propel himself to a nice payday after having success with the Reds.

Martini represents a redundancy on the Reds roster. Cincinnati has several left-handed hitting outfielders. The Reds are not going to dismiss TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, or Will Benson, so Martini should definitely consider himself on the hot seat.

Has Martini used up all nine of his lives this offseason, or is the Kansas State alum good for at least one more? Don't be shocked if Martini is DFA'd after the Reds upcoming announcement.

3. Reds infielder Jose Barrero is in danger of losing his roster spot.

The Cincinnati Reds have moved on from Joey Votto. They've waved goodbye to Nick Senzel. The team sent The Punisher packing last winter. It's time to finally bid farewell to Jose Barrero.

At one point, Barrero was the can't miss shortstop of the future. Well, that's a future that hasn't come. And with Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Noelvi Marte all ahead of him on the depth chart, it seems like the perfect time to designate Barrero for assignment.

Whether the Reds ultimately trade Barrero or just release him, the shortstop's future is not in Cincinnati. After watching De La Cruz, McLain, and Marte display the type of skillset Reds fans always thought they'd see from the Barrero, the former top prospect is now old news.

Barrero has failed to develop, and has been given several opportunities to do so. While fans can rightly point to the Reds inconsistent handling of the 25-year-old, the harsh reality it that Barrero has never lived up to the hype.

Barrero's glove-work is top-notch, and his power is next-level. But the abundance of strikeouts throughout both his major league and minor league career have caught up to him. Barrero's inability to adjust to major league pitching has been his downfall, and it's doubtful that he'll ever figure it out.

While it's painful to think about what could have been, it's time for the Cincinnati Reds to part ways with Jose Barrero.

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1. Reds reliever Daniel Duarte is in danger of losing his roster spot.

2. Reds outfielder Nick Martini is in danger of losing his roster spot.

3. Reds infielder Jose Barrero is in danger of losing his roster spot.

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