3 Reds players who still haven't earned a roster spot

While the MLB Playoffs are still in full swing, we're sure to see some shakeups in Cincinnati Reds clubhouse over the next few weeks.

The non-tender deadline is quickly approaching and few players will enter free agency. Others have club-options that will need to be exercised or else they'll be looking for a new team.

The Reds will only be able to carry 40 players on their offseason roster and the number is currently sitting at 39. They'll be a few young prospects added in the coming weeks and some of the pre-arbitration eligible players may not be tendered a contract.

Each year, however, there's a handful of players who seem like they just haven't earned that coveted roster spot.

Last year, it was Robert Stephenson, and low and behold, the right-hander was dealt to Colorado in exchange for Jeff Hoffman.

So which players, currently on the 40-man roster, have yet to earn their spot? Taking the free agents to-be (Michael Lorenzen, Mychal Givens, and Asdrúbal Cabrera) out of the equation, which players are on thin ice as the Reds prepare to construct their offseason roster?

1. Ryan Hendrix, Reds pitcher

I have to say, I was quite disappointed with Ryan Hendrix's performance in 2021. I think it's fair to assume that a rookie reliever is going to have some struggles during his first season, but Hendirx failed to fix those problems after returning to Triple-A.

Hendrix was quickly promoted to the majors in May. In Hendrix's first five games in the big leagues, the right-hander did not allow a single run. Heck, he didn't even allow a hit.

Unfortunately, it seems those five games and three innings-worth of work were all the rest of the league needed to figure Hendrix out. Over his next 10 outings, Hendrix allowed 13 hits in 10.2 innings and struck out 11 batters while walking five and posting a 6.75 ERA.

June and July weren't very kind to the rookie and Hendrix owned a 6.50 ERA over 18 innings while allowing 20 hits. Hendrix allowed multiple hits in six of his 21 appearances and was sent back to Triple-A.

After allowing four runs on four hits during his first two games back in Triple-A, Ryan Hendrix seemed to straighten things out, putting up zeroes in four consecutive appearances. Unfortunately for Hendrix, his final 10 outings saw the right-hander post a 10.24 ERA while walking nine batters over 9.2 innings.

Hendrix certainly hasn't earned his roster spot, and being that he'll be 27 years old before Opening Day next season, he doesn't have youth on his side. I'm not suggesting the Reds should cut ties with Hendrix just yet, but his seat has to be a little warm.