5 former Reds players off to troubling starts in spring training

Curt Casali, Marlins C

Casali is one of the more well-liked Reds players who's set foot on the field at Great American Ball Park over the past few seasons. After backing up Tucker Barnhart during his first stint with the Reds, Casali returned last year to platoon alongside Tyler Stephenson and Luke Maile.

Casali suffered an injury midway through the season, and never got back behind the plate. Known as a coach on the field, Casali didn't produce enough to warrant being brought back for another season and his mutual-option was declined.

Casali inked a minor-league deal with the Miami Marlins this offseason and received an invite to spring training. Known more for his glove than his bat, the 35-year-old is going to have to hit better than .067 if his hopes to break camp with the Fish this season.

Hunter Renfroe, Royals OF

Renfroe was supposed to bolster the Reds' hitting down the stretch last season. After being plucked off waivers along with Harrison Bader, Renfroe was installed into the Cincinnati lineup on a regular basis with hopes of giving the Reds' bats the push they needed to make a run at the playoffs.

But in 14 games, Renfroe hit just .128 and posted a .432 OPS before he was designated for assignment. Renfroe was somehow able to con Kansas City into signing him to a two-year, $13 million contract this offseason. This spring, Renfroe is hitting .143 with a .343 OPS. The Royals are hoping Renfroe doesn't put up the same numbers in 2024 that he did for the Reds in 2023

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