Impressive Reds rookie will struggle to make 2025 Opening Day roster despite success

It's easy to see why the Cincinnati Reds selected Rhett Lowder with their first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, isn't it? All the Reds' rookie has done during his first three starts is look incredible. After Lowder's first two outings saw the right-hander post a 0.87 ERA and not allow an extra-base hit, the right-hander offered more of the same on Tuesday night in St. Louis.

Lowder finally got his first win of the season after going five strong. The 22-year-old allowed just five hits, but didn't see a single runner dent the plate. More impressive, however, was the fact that Lowder showcased his much-ballyhooed command, and didn't walk a batter all night. Lowder is now 1-1 with a 0.59 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, and 12 punch outs in 15.1 innings pitched.

But will Lowder be part of the Reds 2025 Opening Day roster? That remains to be seen. Obviously Lowder has done enough to at least garner consideration for a spot next year's rotation, but given the depth on the Reds 40-man roster and throughout the farm system, the rookie won't just be handed a spot.

Reds rookie Rhett Lowder will struggle to make 2025 Opening Day roster

First and foremost, health will be the biggest key to every single one of the Reds pitchers heading into spring training next season. Currently, there are eight pitchers on the injured list, four of which are starters. With all things being equal, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott will assuredly have a spot in the 2025 Opening Day rotation.

That means Reds fans will be seeing a fierce competition between a number of players for the final two spots in next year's starting rotation. Lowder will be in the mix, but so will Graham Ashcraft, Julian Aguiar, Carson Spiers, Connor Phillips, and Brandon Williamson.

There's also the matter of Nick Martinez's contract status. The veteran right-hander, who's been Cincinnati's best starter of late, can opt out of his deal this offseason. But the Reds could decide to offer Martinez a Qualifying Offer or re-sign him outright. There's also a number of other veteran starters who could be on the Reds' radar this offseason.

Lowder will undoubtedly be part of the Reds' plans for next season. But the right-hander is far from a shoo-in to be part of the Reds 2025 Opening Day rotation. However, if Lowder continues to put up the same type of numbers that he did on Tuesday night at Busch Stadium, it's going to be hard to keep him off next year's roster when the season begins in late-March.

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