Reds latest spring training roster cuts expose struggles of once-promising slugger

The Cincinnati Reds made another round of roster cuts, and this time, Christian Encarnacion-Strand was caught in the crossfire. The once-promising slugger has struggled since his Major League debut in 2023, and after being reassigned to Minor League camp, one has wonder if he'll ever make it back to the big leagues.

Encarnacion-Strand and Chase Petty were both optioned to Triple-A Louisville and reassigned to Minor League camp. Catcher Michael Trautwein, who's not on the Reds 40-man roster, was reassigned to Minor League camp as well. Their big-league spring roster now stands at 42 players.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand & Chase Petty among latest Reds roster cuts

Encarnacion-Strand burst onto the scene in 2023 and most Reds fans assumed he'd be one of the keys to the team's success over the next several seasons. He mashed 13 home runs — most of which went a long, long way — while hitting .270/.328/.477 during his first 62 games in the majors.

But Encarnacion-Strand got off to a slow start in 2024. He hit just .190/.220/.293 through the first month of the season, and then a hand injury crushed any hope of a return. Encarnacion-Strand landed on the 60-day IL that season after posting a meager .513 OPS.

Hopes were high for a return to dominance in 2025, but injuries crept in once again. Encarnacion-Strand was the team's Opening Day first baseman, but he landed on the IL once again after just 15 games. This time it was lower back injury that kept him out of the lineup until early-June. He lasted just 21 games before being sent down to Triple-A after posting a .247/.273/.438 slash line.

Encarnacion-Strand was always a long shot to the make the Reds 2026 Opening Day roster. Sal Stewart has already been anointed as the team's first baseman of the future heading into spring training, and he's done nothing to shatter those expectations. Cincinnati also has Spencer Steer and Eugenio Suárez on the roster, as well as non-roster invitee Nathaniel Lowe.

Petty was always expected to begin the year in Triple-A Louisville, but he's shined so far in Cactus League play. The right-hander — who struggled mightily in 2025 — has put up zeroes so far this spring. He's appeared in two games, covered four innings, and hasn't allowed a run to score.

Both and Encarnacion-Strand and Petty will remain in the organization and are just a phone call away. But given the Reds depth at first base, fans are likely to see Petty much sooner than CES.