On Monday afternoon, the Cincinnati Reds made significant roster moves by activating Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Matt McLain from the 60-day injured list. In order to make room for these returning players on the 40-man roster, the team designated Amed Rosario and Brandon Leibrandt for assignment. This was just the beginning of what promises to be a busy offseason as the Reds must address several roster decisions in the wake of these changes.

With the World Series concluded, the offseason will bring about additional roster challenges for Cincinnati. Currently, the Reds have 46 players on their 40-man roster, thanks largely to six players still occupying spots on the 60-day injured list: Austin Wynns, Brandon Williamson, Christian Roa, Graham Ashcraft, Stuart Fairchild, and Tejay Antone. As the 60-day injured list ceases to exist post-World Series, the Reds face the urgent task of determining how to manage these roster spots.

For each player the Reds decide to retain from the injured list, they must make corresponding cuts from the active roster. This decision-making process is fraught with intrigue, as it will shape the team’s structure for the upcoming season. A careful analysis of the roster reveals a mix of impending free agents, players with options, and others whose future with the organization is uncertain.

Currently, only two players on the 40-man roster are set to become free agents: Justin Wilson and Buck Farmer. Their departures will automatically create two open slots, but the Reds still have several significant decisions to make. Among the players with options, Jakob Junis holds a mutual option for $8 million, which could be a costly buyout if the Reds decide to decline it. Meanwhile, Brent Suter and Luke Maile both have team options of $3.5 million with a $500,000 buyout. Additionally, Nick Martinez has a player option for $12 million, while Emilio Pagan has an $8 million option.

Analyzing the situation, it seems likely that Nick Martinez will decline his option. After a disappointing season, he is expected to seek a more lucrative deal on the open market. Conversely, Brent Suter’s option appears to be a logical choice for the Reds, given his solid performance. Emilio Pagan, having had a strong 2024 season, is also expected to exercise his option. The decision surrounding Jakob Junis is more complex; given his inconsistent performance, it seems likely he might opt for the buyout.

Beyond the immediate decisions regarding free agents and option players, the Reds must also consider protecting players from the upcoming Rule 5 draft in December. The exact number of players they will choose to add from the minor leagues remains uncertain, but it’s reasonable to anticipate at least three additions, with the possibility of as many as six.

The task of trimming the 40-man roster will likely involve some less glamorous names as well. For instance, Austin Wynns, who has been indicated as a candidate for a minor league deal, and Casey Legumina, who struggled during his multiple call-ups this past season, may be on the chopping block. Both players represent the kind of tough decisions the Reds will face as they balance performance with potential future contributions.

Jacob Hurtubise, who has shown limited power and had a subpar showing in the big leagues, might also find himself at risk. Similarly, Nick Martini, at 34 years old and coming off a disappointing season with a .641 OPS, may not offer enough upside to warrant a spot on the 40-man roster moving forward. Ty France’s projected arbitration number, estimated at $8 million, further complicates matters, as it presents a significant financial commitment for a player whose value may not justify that price.

Tejay Antone’s situation adds another layer of complexity. As he attempts to return from his third Tommy John surgery, the organization faces a difficult decision regarding his future. Given the uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline and potential for contributing in 2025, the Reds may need to weigh sentiment against practicality when deciding his fate.

These decisions represent just a fraction of the overall roster management tasks ahead for the Reds. The organization is at a crossroads, and how they navigate these choices will have lasting implications for the team’s competitiveness in the coming seasons.

The excitement and anxiety of the offseason often stem from the unpredictability of player movements and the potential for roster reshaping. As fans await clarity on these decisions, the organization’s strategic planning will be put to the test. The combination of expiring contracts, player options, and the need to protect talent from the Rule 5 draft creates a unique challenge that requires a careful balancing act.

As the Reds evaluate their roster, they must also consider the overall direction of the team. The decisions made this offseason will not only impact the immediate future but will also signal the organization’s commitment to building a competitive team in the long term. It’s a pivotal moment for the franchise, and how they address these roster challenges will shape their trajectory in the years to come.

The pressure is on the front office to act decisively. While some decisions may be straightforward, others will require careful consideration of both player performance and potential. The interplay between short-term needs and long-term strategy will be critical as the Reds look to carve out a path forward.

Ultimately, the forthcoming weeks will reveal how the Reds intend to structure their roster for the 2025 season and beyond. The decisions made in this period of transition will echo throughout the organization and will be closely watched by players, fans, and analysts alike. The question remains: who will be next on the chopping block, and how will the Reds reshape their roster to meet the challenges ahead? Only time will tell as the offseason unfolds, but one thing is certain: the Cincinnati Reds are at a pivotal moment in their journey, and the choices they make now will resonate for seasons to come.