Reds send Rule 5 Draft pick back to Athletics after horrible stint with Cincy

The Cincinnati Reds' roll of the dice during the Rule 5 Draft came up snake eyes. Cooper Bowman was returned to the Athletics on Wednesday after a woeful stint with the Reds. Bowman's time in Reds spring training has ended after going 3-for-25 in 13 games with Cincinnati during Cactus League play.

Bowman was the Reds' Rule 5 Draft pick last December. For those unfamiliar with the process, players who meet a certain criteria are eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. Once chosen, however, that player is then added to the selecting team's 40-man roster.

But here's the kicker. In order to remain with the organization who selected him, the player must spend the entire season on the active roster (or injured list). That was a tall task for Bowman, and rather than attempt to carry him into the regular season, the Reds decided to cut bait.

Reds send Rule 5 Draft pick back to Athletics after horrible stint with Cincy

It was always going to be an uphill battle for Bowman, but things became really tricky after the Reds acquired infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Much like Bowman, Lux is a versatile fielder, but the former Dodgers' infielder is going to be a key member of this year's team. Add to the equation Santiago Espinal and (eventually) Spencer Steer, and the math just didn't add up.

To this point, the Reds have also received a healthy spring from Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand; two players who are essential to Cincinnati's success in 2025. While Bowman has the ability to play mutiple positions, it would appear that Blake Dunn's emergence this spring also made Bowman's presence on the roster rather superfluous.

The Reds still have some interesting roster decisions to make before Opening Day, but sending Bowman back to the A's clears up a bit of mystery. With the infield all but set, the competition now shifts to the outfield. Will Stuart Fairchild survive? What are Will Benson's chances of making the Opening Day roster? Has Dunn done enough?

The Reds paid the A's $100,000 in order to acquire Bowman's services, but will now be offered back for $50,000. If the A's choose not to reacquire him, Cincinnati can then outright Bowman to the minor leagues.

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