Reds addition of Nick Solak puts Matt Reynolds' roster spot in jeopardy

The Cincinnati Reds executed a trade on Thursday afternoon. In exchange for cash consideratinos, the Reds received utility infielder/ outfielder Nick Solak from the Texas Rangers.

Solak has been in the big leagues since 2019 and has played all over the diamond. While slashing .252/.327/.372 in four seasons with the Rangers, Solak also played first, second, and third base as well as left and center field.

That resumé sounds an awful lot like Matt Reynolds' doesn't it? As the non-tender deadline draws closer, it will be interesting to see what the Reds do with Reynolds?

Reds addition of Nick Solak puts Matt Reynolds' roster spot in jeopardy.

Matt Reynolds isn't the type of player who's going to have a regular spot in the Cincinnati Reds lineup, but the 31-year-old was a solid, veteran presence on last year's roster and one would assume that his spot was rather safe heading into next season.

And it may well be, but adding a player like Nick Solak brings Reynolds' standing with the team into question. In addition to Solak and Reynolds, one would think that Kyle Farmer, Spencer Steer, and maybe even Nick Senzel could all be vying for the same role in 2023.

The Reds will have some decisions to make in the coming days. By next Tuesday, any prospect that the organization may want to protect from the Rule 5 Draft will need to be added to the 40-man roster. In addition, next week also represents the non-tender deadline.

The Cincinnati Reds need veterans on next year's team to help lead the young core going forward. Mike Moustakas may be released, so outside of Joey Votto, the Reds may not have a lot of veteran leadership in 2023. Hanging onto Matt Reynolds would be a wise move, but with the influx of young, versatile players, his roster spot would appear to be in jeopardy.