7 arbitration-eligible players remain after Reds roster shakeup

The Cincinnati Reds made several transactions on Tuesday. Six of the organization's top prospects were added to the 40-man roster and the front office parted company with outfielder Aristides Aquino and five right-handed pitchers.

Now, the non-tender deadline is approaching. After adding Elly De La Cruz, Levi Stoudt, and others, the Reds front office can now focus on the seven players who are up for arbitration this offseason.

According to MLB.com, players who have three or more years of Major League service but less than six years of major league service become eligible for salary arbitration if they do not already have a contract for the next season.

Several arbitration-eligible players remain after Reds roster shakeup.

The Cincinnati Reds parted company with Aristides Aquino, Derek Law, and Jeff Hoffman. Those three, according to MLB Trade Rumors, were expected to make up $3.7M-worth of next year's payroll. Seeing as how all three were replacement-level players, it made no sense to hand out pay raises to that trio.

But, the Reds still have seven arbitration-eligible players remaining on the roster. The most prouctive of those seven, and the one who'll likely see a drastic increase in salary is third baseman Kyle Farmer. The veteran has been the subject of much speculation throughout Reds Country of late, but despite the nearly $6M salary estimate, expect to see Farmer back on the club in 2023.

Another mildly controversial player who'll be up for arbitration once again is Nick Senzel. According to MLBTR, Senzel is expected to sign a one-year deal worth $2.2M. That would be a bargain if the 27-year-old played up to his lofty potential, but the harsh reality is that Senzel has performed well below what many expected.

Tejay Antone is expected back next season after missing all of the 2022 season following Tommy John surgery. Fellow reliever Lucas Sims, who missed most of last season, will also be up for arbitration this winter.

Luis Cessa, whether in the rotation or the bullpen, should be expected back in 2023. The right-hander is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility. The same is true of fellow right-hander Buck Farmer.

Justin Dunn, who came to the Cincinnati Reds in the trade that sent Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez to the Seattle Mariners, will be up for arbitration for the first time this offseason. Dunn, if healthy, should be competing for a spot in the Cincinnati starting rotation.

Friday marks the non-tender deadline. The Reds could still make a few moves between now and then. The most likely of this group to not be tendered a contract next season is probably Buck Farmer, but the former Detroit Tigers' reliever performed well for Cincinnati after a midseason trip back to Triple-A.