TEAM UPDATE: Exploring the Reds’ Corner Infield as Internal Options Under the Microscope

Reds’ Internal Corner-Infield Options Under Review

CINCINNATI — Amid a busy day of roster moves, the Reds made one notable decision when a veteran player was removed from the 40-man roster after being outrighted to Triple-A Louisville. The player declined the assignment and opted for free agency.

This player, who was eligible for arbitration, had likely been in line for a raise after earning $6.775 million in 2024. However, with the deadline for contract decisions not arriving until Nov. 22, the Reds chose to act sooner rather than later.

“We could have waited it out,” said Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall. “But honestly, letting him go now helps clean up the roster. We were probably not going to tender him a contract anyway, so it made sense to move on now.”

The player in question had been acquired from another team during the season in exchange for a minor-league catcher. He played 52 games with the Reds, offering some stability at the position with a .251 average, .683 OPS, and five home runs.

As of Friday, the Reds’ front office had not yet finalized their payroll budget for 2025, but with the club’s budget expected to remain near the $90 million mark (or possibly decrease), it was clear that there wouldn’t be room for a 30-year-old veteran first baseman in the mix next season.

This is particularly true given the internal options currently available. Players like Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jeimer Candelario, Spencer Steer, and potentially Jonathan India are all possibilities for first base duties in 2025.

“We didn’t see a path to tendering him a contract because of the internal options we have there,” Krall explained.

Krall emphasized that the moves made on Friday, including declining the $3.5 million option for backup catcher Luke Maile, were not necessarily an indication of significant payroll cuts.

“We’re still working through our payroll situation,” Krall clarified.

Despite the internal depth, each of these corner-infield options brings its own set of uncertainties heading into next season. Candelario, who signed a three-year, $45 million deal last December, struggled in his first year with the Reds, posting a .225 average, .707 OPS, and -0.7 bWAR in 112 games. His season ended early due to a broken left toe. Steer, who mostly played left field but also spent time at first base, finished with similar offensive numbers, batting .225 with 20 home runs and a .721 OPS. India, primarily a second baseman, only made brief appearances at first base during Spring Training.

The most significant question mark is Encarnacion-Strand, who was expected to be a key contributor and a power hitter at first base. However, he struggled mightily early in the season, posting a .190 average, .513 OPS, and just two home runs in 29 games. He struck out 35 times with only four walks. A fractured right hand ended his season prematurely in May.

Krall acknowledged the early struggles and injury setback for Encarnacion-Strand but pointed to his recent performance in the Arizona Fall League as a hopeful sign. Encarnacion-Strand was batting .500 with four walks and five strikeouts in his first 19 plate appearances. Still, Krall noted that the young player wasn’t entirely free of lingering injury concerns.

“He had a small setback with scar tissue, but nothing serious,” Krall explained. “He should be playing this week and we hope he continues progressing in his rehab.”

When asked about the corner-infield picture heading into Spring Training, Krall made it clear that the competition would be open under new manager Terry Francona.

“Some of these guys will have to come into Spring Training and earn their spots,” Krall said. “No one is going to be handed a position.”