2 players on the 60-day IL the Reds should release this offseason and 1 they're excited to see return

Reds fans should be excited for the return of pitcher Tejay Antone.

Captain Hook should be back on the field in 2023. Tejay Antone, who underwent his second Tommy John surgery last year, was ruled out for the entire 2022 season and the right-handed reliever has his eyes fixed on returning to diamond next season.

Antone was the Reds best reliever last season, and it wasn't really close. The right-hander owned a 2.14 ERA and had a strikeout-rate of 32.8% in 23 appearances out the Cincinnati bullpen. Antone started four games for the Reds the season before, but after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery, it seems highly unlikely he'll ever return to the rotation.

However, the 1-2 punch of Tejay Antone and Alexis Diaz in the backend of the bullpen would bring some stability to the relief corps. Reiver Sanmartin seems to be making progress as well during his rookie season.

Antone will be up for arbitration this winter, but after having not played at all during the 2022 season, it's hard to imagine the right-hander making much over the league minimum in 2023. If Antone performs up to his capabilities, then the 28-year-old could then cash in during his second and third time through the process.

There is going to be some interesting decisions for the Reds brass to make over the next few months with regards to the offseason roster. Several prospects will need to be added to the 40-man roster and a lot of dead weight will need to be cut loose. It's going to be an intriguing winter in the Queen City.