3 players Elly De La Cruz could replace on the Reds roster

2. Elly De La Cruz could replace Kevin Newman on the Reds roster.

Another infielder who could become a casualty once Elly De La Cruz makes his major league debut is Kevin Newman. The shortstop joined the club during the offseason after the Reds swung a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates that sent reliever Dauri Moreta to the Buccos.

Newman might have a bit more staying power than the aforementioned Jose Barrero, but not much. Newman has caught fire of late at the dish, but his defensive play leaves a lot to the imagination.

According to FanGraphs, Newman was been worth -2 outs above average (OAA) and -7 defensive runs saved (DRS) while playing shortstop, as well as second and third base.

Newman's 5.1-percent walk-rate is right in line with his career average as is his 12-percent strikeout-rate. Newman is that steady, veteran presence that most contending teams would like to have, but it's questionable what his role actually is with this year's Reds team.

Kevin Newman has minor league options remaining, so if the Reds would prefer to keep Jose Barrero in the outfield and send the former Pirates infielder down to Triple-A Louisville, that's certainly a possibility. The best case scenario for both Newman and the Reds would be another ball club looking to swing a trade for the veteran shortstop.