Reds trade Nick Solak to Mariners after Jason Vosler's emergence this spring

Nick Solak's time in Cincinnati never really got started. The Reds worked out a trade with the Texas Rangers during the offseason to acquire the former second-round pick in exchange for cash considerations.

On Friday, the Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners worked out a trade that sent Solak to the Emerald City for cash considerations. It's a bit peculiar that Cincinnati decided to move on from Solak so quickly, but it reveals the current depth on the team's 40-man roster.

Joey Votto's placement on the Injured List forced the Reds to consider other options at first base, and Jason Vosler's solid spring earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster. Vosler's presence made Solak expendable.

Jason Vosler's presence on the Reds roster made Nick Solak expendable.

The Cincinnati Reds essentially chose Jason Vosler over Nick Solak when finalizing the 26-man roster. Both players offer a similar profile in terms of power potential and defensive versatility, but Solak flopped in spring training while Vosler excelled.

Solak grabbed just two hits in 20 at-bats this spring and was re-assigned to minor-league camp relatively early in the process. Vosler, on the other hand, slashed .263/.341/.526 and was coming off a fine showing with the San Francisco Giants where he posted an .812 OPS in 36 games.

Vosler was a non-roster invitee, meaning if the Reds wanted to add him to the Opening Day roster, they'd have to make room. Pitchers Derek Law and Alex Young needed a spot as well, and with Justin Dunn and Tejay Antone the only candidates for the 60-day IL, Cincinnati needed to make one more move.

Solak was designated for assignment, and while the Reds probably would have preferred to keep him with the organization, the team decided instead to deal him to the Mariners. Solak will now count against Seattle's 40-man roster.

Jason Vosler proved himself on Opening Day with a two-run triple that knotted the score at four runs apiece. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Cincinnati Reds fell by the final score of 5-4.