Unexpected: Reds Player Surprisingly Survive Offseason Roster Cuts Despite All Odds

Each offseason, team executives preach about “opportunity cost” and “roster efficiency,” but when spring training arrives, a few unexpected faces tend to reappear in Goodyear sporting fresh jersey numbers.

For the Cincinnati Reds, their crowded 40-man roster makes the upcoming non-tender deadline feel like a long wait at airport security. Yet, there’s a surprisingly strong argument to keep a player few fans likely have on their radar. In a world where every dollar and roster spot matters, versatility often outlasts flash.

Ryan Vilade embodies that ideal — a 26-year-old who can handle both infield and outfield duties while hitting just enough to stay in the mix. His 2024 campaign reads like the résumé of a perfect depth piece for a playoff hopeful: dependable, flexible, and quietly valuable.

The Reds don’t need a power bat or a headline grabber for their final roster spot — they need a steady utility man who can cover multiple positions, handle grueling road stretches, and give Terry Francona the lineup flexibility he’ll need when games get unpredictable.

Reds’ unexpected roster survivor, Ryan Vilade, could outlast the non-tender cuts

Vilade’s 2025 numbers — split between Triple-A stints in the Cardinals and Reds systems — deserve more than a casual glance: a .290/.378/.511 slash line with 17 home runs and 66 RBI. That’s not the product of a hitter-friendly ballpark or a brief hot streak; it’s the mark of a player who maintained steady, above-average production while shuffling between positions and managing his timing. Versatility often disrupts rhythm, but Vilade seems to have mastered both.

Of course, there’s an obvious counterpoint — and it’s valid. His major-league track record is rough. Over 28 career games, Vilade has hit just .141/.200/.188 with one homer and five RBI. That’s enough to make front offices question whether his Triple-A success can translate against the consistent velocity and spin of big-league pitching. Still, context matters. The sample size is small, his opportunities have been sporadic, and players who fill utility roles often debut under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Roster dynamics complicate things further. Vilade is reportedly out of minor-league options, meaning he can’t be sent down without passing through waivers. That makes him both riskier to stash and more useful if he wins a spot out of camp. The Reds must decide whether to non-tender him now and lose a versatile depth option for nothing, or bring him into spring training and let competition dictate his fate. Considering his recent offensive performance and positional flexibility, the latter might be worth the gamble.

There’s also a practical argument. On a roster that relies heavily on platoons and matchup maneuvering, players like Vilade are vital connectors. His appeal isn’t limited to “can play everywhere” — it’s that he can do so while keeping the offense afloat. Even a portion of that .378 on-base ability could help extend innings, set up the top of the order, and give Cincinnati’s stars more chances to drive in runs.

So, yes, Vilade might seem like an unlikely name to survive the offseason shuffle. And no, his major-league numbers don’t scream “lock.” But front offices know that roster-building isn’t just about upside — it’s about fit, flexibility, and probability. By those measures, Vilade’s strong Triple-A season, defensive range, and lack of options give him a quietly convincing case to stick past the non-tender deadline.