Reds players who are most at-risk ahead of MLB non-tender deadline

The Cincinnati Reds have been rather dormant during the early-going of the offseason, but so has most of Major League Baseball. However, the upcoming non-tender deadline is sure to inject some much needed news into a rather mundane offseason.

By 6 p.m. ET on Friday, November 22 every MLB team must decide whether or not to tender contracts to players who are under club control. This includes players who are both pre-arb and arbitration eligible. Of course Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Andrew Abbott will be tendered contracts, and those on long-term deals like Hunter Greene, Brent Suter, and Jeimer Candelario are not subject to this process.

But while those listed above, and others, will definitely be back in 2025, there are several players who could be let go before Friday's deadline. Which Reds players are most at-risk of being non-tendered this week?

Reds players who are most at-risk ahead of MLB non-tender deadline

Will Benson, Reds outfielder

While unlikely, Reds fans should not be shocked if Will Benson is non-tendered before Friday's deadline. The former Cleveland Guardians farmhand endured a horrific season at the plate, but the fact that he's not owed a raise through arbitration works in his favor. Benson also has minor-league options remaining, and while he grossly underperformed in 2024, he'll probably be back next season.

Santiago Espinal, Reds infielder

Some Reds fans will roll their eyes at the idea that Santiago Espinal is even on this list, but it's only because of the incoming payday the slick-fielding second baseman will receive through the arbitration process. Espinal is estimated to take home $4 million in 2025, which is quite a chunk of change for a utility player.

Jacob Hurtubise, Reds outfielder

It's a numbers game, and Jacob Hurtubise might be on the wrong side of it. While Hurtubise was one of the feel-good stories in 2024, the Reds have plenty of left-handed hitting outfielders with speed (Benson, Jake Fraley, and TJ Friedl) already on the roster. If Cincinnati is looking to open up a spot on the 40-man, there's a chance that Hurtubise could be non-tendered in the coming days.

Casey Legumina, Reds pitcher

Casey Legumina was shuttled back and forth between the major and minor leagues last season, and while depth on the 40-man roster is great, Legumina could be replaced by a younger pitcher with more upside. The right-hander has minor-league options remaining and is pre-arbitration eligible, so it's not a definite that the Reds will non-tender him before Friday, but it's surely on the table.

Ian Gibaut, Reds pitcher

Unlike every other player on this list, Ian Gibaut has no minor-league options remaining. That certainly a ding on his résumé. Gibaut's 2024 season was defined by injuries, and he's due a raise heading into next season. Given his contributions during the 2023 season, it seems likely that Gibaut will return next season, but stranger things have happened.

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