5 former Reds players off to troubling starts in spring training

The Cincinnati Reds have endured a lot of roster turnover in recent years. With the team essentially going all-in on a rebuild prior to the 2022 season and then watching several first-year players debut in 2023, it's safe to say there are a lot of former Reds playing for different teams this spring.

Players like Eugenio Suárez and Luis Castillo are off to solid starts during spring training. Geno has an OPS over 1.000 with his new club in Arizona, while Castillo has racked up eight punch outs in eight innings for the Seattle Mariners. Joey Votto hasn't played a game yet for his new team, and former pitcher Michael Lorenzen remains unsigned.

But there are a number of former Reds players who are playing this spring, but have gotten off on the wrong foot. Whether that affects their ability to be part of an Opening Day roster or limits their playing time once the season begins remains to be seen. But these five former Reds players better hope their spring struggles don't carryover into the regular season.

5 former Reds players off to troubling starts in spring training

Kyle Farmer, Twins SS

Farmer was beloved during his time in Cincinnati, and the Reds traded the infielder prior to the start of the 2023 season in exchange for pitching prospect Casey Legumina. Farmer landed with the Minnesota Twins and appeared in 120 games last season. Farmer suffered a gruesome injury early on during the season after he was hit in the face by a Lucas Giolito fastball.

Farmer is struggling so far this spring. The veteran infielder has just five hits through the first nine games of spring, and his roster spot is in question. With Carlos Correa, Edouard Julien, and Royce Lewis, Farmer is seen as a bench bat, not a starter.

After acquiring Manuel Margot in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Willi Castro's strong spring campaign, there are questions surrounding Farmer's future with the Twins organization.