7 Reds players fighting for their futures ahead of 2024 season

This could be the last time these Reds players take the field in Goodyear.

Cincinnati Reds left fielder Stuart Fairchild (17) hits a home run
Cincinnati Reds left fielder Stuart Fairchild (17) hits a home run | Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
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Tony Santillan, RHP

Santillan has looked sharp this spring, and is attempting to come back from a painful back injury that really disrupted his attempt to secure a spot in the Reds bullpen. Santillan is former second-round pick and has an overwhelming fastball.

The Reds removed Santillan from the 40-man roster midway through last season, but re-signed the right-hander to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. He's got a tough task ahead if he hopes to unseat one of the Reds relievers on the 40-man roster, but there's an outside chance Santillan could make a play for the Opening Day roster.

Tony Kemp, 2B/ OF

Kemp signed late this spring, but don't think for one moment that the former Oakland A's utility player has no shot to make the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. Much like Josh Harrison, Kemp has an opt out in his contract, but we'll be given an opportunity to secure a spot on the roster before the Washington Nationals come to visit on March 28th.

Kemp has the ability to play all over the field and had reverse splits last season. A left-handed hitter, Kemp posted a .900-plus OPS against left-handed pitching. Without Nick Senzel on the roster, Reds manager David Bell may be looking for a versatile platoon to deploy throughout the season.

Essentially, if the Reds are healthy heading into Opening Day, Kemp, Harrison, and Fairchild are all competing for the same spot. At the moment, Fairchild has the advantage, but none of those three players are safe.

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