Ryan Hendrix is in danger of being one-and-done with the Reds

Ryan Hendrix has been part of the Cincinnati Reds organization for some time now, and the right-hander enjoyed some success during the early-going of his rookie campaign in 2021. But after being shipped back to Triple-A Louisville, Hendrix never returned to the big leagues.

Though the Reds bullpen is in flux, you have to wonder if there's a future for Hendrix in the Queen City. Already 27 years old, Hendrix's performance this spring is crucial to him remaining on the roster or possibly being released before the start of the season.

Will Ryan Hendrix be one-and-done with the Reds?

One-and-done is a classic phrase used in college basketball these days, but in baseball it typically refers to something different entirely. When a highly-touted basketball recruit arrives on campus and quickly establishes himself as one of the best in the sport, he will forgo his remaining three years of eligibility and enter the NBA Draft.

In baseball, however, a player who is one-and-done has typically fallen short of expectations. Hendrix was a top prospect in Cincinnati's farm system for some time, but his performance last season left a lot to the imagination.

Hendrix appeared in 36 games and posted a 5.97 ERA over 31.2 innings of work. Hendrix's biggest flaw may have been the long ball. The right-hander surrendered eight round trippers and put up a 2.27 HR/9.

The rookie hurler was sent back to Triple-A Louisville after acquiring several relievers around the trade deadline, and things didn't get much better for Hendrix. In 15.2 innings, Hendrix allowed 15 earned runs, four homers, and put up a 12.3% walk-rate.

Ryan Hendrix will be a in dog fight this spring, as Cincinnati added Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson at the trade deadline last summer. Dauri Moreta showed what he was capable of in the minors last season, and will be in the mix for a spot in the Reds bullpen as well. There's also Art Warren who emerged as a reliable righty last season.

The Reds also added Daniel Duarte and Alexis Diaz to the 40-man roster. Both are likely to have a shot at making the Opening Day roster as well. Ryan Hendrix has his work cut out for him, but his stuff is good enough to find a home among the Cincinnati relief corps.