For the first time in years, the Cincinnati Reds didn’t offload talent at the MLB trade deadline. Instead of being sellers, the Reds signaled their intent to contend by acquiring Ke’Bryan Hayes, Zack Littell, and Miguel Andujar ahead of the July 31 cutoff.
However, that doesn’t mean every spot on the 40-man roster is locked in. The Reds can still use outright or release waivers to make room, and with several prospects in the minors pushing for a call-up, more changes could be coming. So while some players dodged trade rumors, their roster status may still be in jeopardy as the season unfolds.
3 Reds players who survived the trade deadline, but won’t survive the season
Ryan Vilade, Reds outfielder
Ryan Vilade was picked up by the Reds midseason and got a brief shot in the majors, but the 26-year-old didn’t capitalize on the opportunity. Across stints with both the Reds and Cardinals, Vilade managed just one hit in 15 plate appearances.
While his Minor League numbers are solid overall — slashing .272/.367/.516 — his production dipped in July, when he hit just .246/.294/.541. With the Reds already deep in outfield options and top prospects like Sal Stewart and Héctor RodrÃguez potentially eyeing call-ups later this season, Cincinnati may need to clear space on the 40-man roster — and Vilade could find himself on the bubble.
Sam Benschoter, Reds pitcher
Looking at the Reds’ bullpen depth, it’s clear that Sam Benschoter sits low on the pecking order. Pitchers like Yosver Zulueta, Connor Phillips, and Joe La Sorsa are ahead of him for potential big-league call-ups, and the organization will likely find a way to get hard-throwing Zach Maxwell to the majors before long.
Benschoter could be removed from the 40-man roster without much risk — it’s unlikely another team would claim him. In 28 Triple-A outings this season, he’s posted a 7-3 record with a 3.96 ERA. While serviceable, the right-hander is viewed more as organizational depth and may not stick on the 40-man for the rest of the year.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Reds infielder
Some fans might scoff at the idea of the Reds moving on from Christian Encarnacion-Strand before season’s end, but his performance isn’t giving the team much reason to keep him. Since being sent back to the minors, he’s struggled badly at the plate, slashing just .186/.238/.373 with a 55 wRC+ — numbers far from deserving of a call-up and potentially justifying a roster cut.
Acquired in 2022, Encarnacion-Strand has flashed the kind of raw power that turns heads, but his flaws — below-average defense, high strikeout rate, and lack of plate discipline — continue to limit his value. In 36 big-league games this year, he’s hitting only .208/.234/.377. It was somewhat surprising the Reds didn’t move him at the trade deadline, but it’s possible there simply wasn’t much interest.
