2 Reds players who will be non-tendered before the deadline and 2 who will survive

Reds OF Nick Martini will survive the non-tender deadline

Nick Martini will be a name to watch at the non-tender deadline, and one could make that case that removing the left-handed hitting outfielder from the 40-man roster would be the most prudent move. But is it really necessary?

Martini is still pre-arbitration eligible, so there's no financial incentive to cut ties with the former Chicago Cub. The Reds roster also lacks veteran leadership, and Martini was said to be well liked in the clubhouse last season. In his 71 at-bats, Martini had 19 hits, 10 of which went for extra bases.

If there's a player who had more clutch hits than Martini a year ago, I'd like to see him. The former second-round pick had two huge home runs during the month of September that helped to keep the Reds in the playoff race until the final week of the season.

Martini also showed that he can play first base. With Tyler Stephenson back behind the plate, and Spencer Steer likely to see more time in left field next season, having a left-handed bat that can sub in for Christian Encarnacion-Strand if necessary is quite the benefit.

Nick Martini also has minor league option available. While it's quite possible the Reds could float Martini on the roster until a better option comes along, there's no rush to sever ties at today's non-tender deadline.