5 Reds players who definitely won't be back for the 2025 season

The Cincinnati Reds season is over, and all eyes now turn toward the offseason. The Reds currently don't have a manager, and that will undoubtedly be the first item of business on the docket for president of baseball operations Nick Krall.

There is also the matter of some contract extensions that need to happen this winter. Players like Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and maybe even Spencer Steer should be part of the Reds' long-term plans, and Cincinnati's management needs to open negotiations with some of their top talent before the start of the 2025 season.

But there will also be a number of impending roster decisions as well. The Reds have a handful of free agents, and several players have the ability to opt in or opt out of their current deals. And while those decisions will be delayed until after the World Series, there's a few players who we all know won't be back next season. Which five players will definitely not return to Cincinnati in 2025?

Austin Wynns, Reds C

Most Reds fans have probably already forgotten about Austin Wynns. The former Colorado Rockies backstop signed a minor-league deal this past offseason and was called up after Luke Maile was placed on the injured list earlier this year.

Wynns himself suffered an injury shortly after his call-up, and was placed on the 60-day IL with a right teres major tear. While the Reds certainly lack catching depth, there's no way that Wynns is coming back to Cincinnati in 2025.

Casey Legumina, Reds RHP

Casey Legumina was yo-yo'd back and forth between I-71 all season long. The Reds acquired Legumina during the 2022-23 offseason in exchange for Kyle Farmer, and the right-hander has been little more than an injury replacement for Cincinnati over the past two seasons.

Since 2023, Legumina is 1-0 with a 6.95 ERA 17 Major League appearances. With a couple prospects coming up through the Reds pipeline who'll be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this offseason, Cincinnati will need to make some room on the 40-man roster. Expect the Reds to designate Legumina for assignment, and if he goes unclaimed, the 26-year-old should be outrighted to Triple-A Louisville.

Justin Wilson, Reds LHP

Justin Wilson pitched well during spring training and was a feel-good story earlier this season. After struggling with injuries the past two seasons, Wilson was finally healthy and looked like a key member of the Reds bullpen during the first two-plus months of the 2024 campaign.

But the wheels eventually fell off and Wilson became one of the most unreliable members of the Reds relief corps as the season moved into June. The southpaw is a free agent, and with a ERA north of 5.00, there's little reason for Cincinnati's front office to re-sign the 37-year-old this winter.

Amed Rosario, Reds IF/OF

The Reds took the opportunity to nab Amed Rosario off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this summer. The former Cleveland Guardians infielder enjoyed a fine season with the Tampa Bay Rays, but was dealt to LA at this year's MLB trade deadline.

The Dodgers quickly dismissed Rosario after Mookie Betts returned to the lineup, and the right-handed hitting utility player was picked up by the Reds. Rosario saw his playing time take a dive over the final few weeks of the 2024 season, and Cincinnati has no reason to re-sign the free agent to-be.

Christian Roa, Reds RHP

Christian Roa represents another member of the Reds' failed 2020 draft class. Roa, along with Austin Hendrick, Bryce Bonnin, and Jackson Miller have all been utter flops. Cincinnati traded away the only decent prospect from that year's class when they flipped Joe Boyle to the Oakland A's in exchange for reliever Sam Moll.

Roa has failed to develop down on the farm, and hasn't even stepped onto a Major League mound. The right-hander spent time in the Arizona Fall League last year, but failed to impress. The only reason Roa was even recalled this season was to be placed on the 60-day IL so the Reds could make space for Julian Aguiar. Just like Legumina, Roa will be designated for assignment, and if he goes unclaimed, should be outrighted to the Louisville Bats' roster.

There will be other players that won't return to the Reds in 2025, but these five are locks to be removed from the 40-man roster in the coming weeks.

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