Sneaky Reds' addition threatens Stuart Fairchild's flimsy hold on final roster spot

Is the 2025 Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster already set in stone? Anyone who's been around the game of baseball for any length of time knows better than that. While players like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and Matt McLain have a one-way ticket from Arizona to Cincinnati next month, there are always a handful of spots up for grabs during spring training.

The fiercest roster battle that Reds fans are going to watch over the next month will revolve around the bench — especially in the outfield. While injuries always play a role, at the moment, almost all of the team's position players are full-go.

Austin Hays' performance on Monday is further proof that he'll be part of the Reds Opening Day roster, and a combination of Spencer Steer, Jake Fraley, and TJ Friedl will be in the mix as well. At the moment, Stuart Fairchild has a loose grip on that final roster spot, but Cooper Bowman could give the former second-round pick a run for his money.

Cooper Bowman threatens Stuart Fairchild's flimsy hold on final Reds roster spot

Known for his speed and defense, Bowman hit .262/.351/.419 across 118 games in the minors last season. He played all over the diamond, seeing time at second and third base, shortstop, and in the outfield. Reds manager Terry Francona is looking to expand Bowman's repertoire this spring, and is planning to give the former University of Louisville standout playing time at first base as well.

But Bowman's hopes of cracking the Reds Opening Day lineup comes with a catch. Because he's a Rule 5 Draft pick, Bowman must remain on Cincinnati's active roster all season. Regulations surrounding Rule 5 Draft picks do not allow players to be optioned back to the minors, but rather placed on outright waivers and then offered back to their original club before being sent down.

In other words, if the Reds don't see a way to keep Bowman on the 26-man roster all season, there's a risk attached to his inclusion on the Opening Day roster. Especially if it comes with the caveat of losing a skilled defensive player like Fairchild. Unlike Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Rece Hinds, and Will Benson — all of whom are battling for a spot as well — Fairchild is out of minor league options.

Because of that, Fairchild is likely to be given a longer leash this spring. But Bowman's status as a Rule 5 draftee means that he's in a similar boat. Both players represent fringe roster players with upside, but Bowman's defensive versatility is something that Fairchild does not offer. This roster battle could be fierce as the spring moves along, and Fairchild may ultimately find himself on the outside looking in if Bowman can prove that he's more than just a base stealing threat.

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