3 Reds players we'll be glad are gone in 2024 and 2 we wish stayed

The Reds will regret letting Vladimir Gutierrez go

Allowing Ben Lively to test free agency was odd enough, but it was almost as if the Cincinnati Reds decided to double-down on bad decisions by outrighting Vladimir Gutierrez as well. The Reds paid a steep price for Gutierrez when they signed him as an international free agent all those years ago.

Gutierrez had a terrific rookie campaign, but fell apart in 2022. Gutierrez made the switch to the bullpen in 2022 before landing on the IL with an elbow injury. Gutierrez eventually underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of last season as he continued to rehab.

Gutierrez would have likely found himself against some stiff competition this spring. Young hurlers like Andrew Abbott, Connor Phillips, and Chase Petty are looking to establish themselves and eventually find a permanent spot in the Reds rotation.

But as is the case with the aforementioned Lively, having an experienced pitchers who possess the ability to work as a starter andf reliever cannot be ignored. While the Reds have a faith in several of their young pitchers, you can never have enough arms.

Gutierrez reportedly signed a minor-league deal with the Miami Marlins. His performance in 2024 will go a long way toward proving whether or not the Reds made a mistake letting him go.