In December, the Cincinnati Reds selected infielder/outfielder Cooper Bowman from the Sacramento Athletics in the Rule 5 Draft. Bowman spent most of last season in Double-A before moving up to Triple-A for the final stretch, where he transitioned to center field after primarily playing infield earlier in his career.
The Reds were drawn to his speed, versatility, and strong Double-A performance, where he hit .281/.378/.467 with 35 stolen bases. However, his struggles at the plate in Triple-A were concerning, as he batted just .218/.284/.308 over 38 games with consistently weak contact. Those issues persisted in spring training, where he hit just .120/.267/.120 in 30 plate appearances over 13 games. As a result, Cincinnati opted to return him to the Athletics rather than continue evaluating him for a roster spot.
This move brings the Reds’ 40-man roster to 39 players, though effectively 38 since Brandon Williamson, recovering from Tommy John surgery, can be placed on the 60-day injured list if needed.
With Bowman out of the picture, the Reds’ position player roster appears set—assuming good health and Spencer Steer being ready for Opening Day. The team is expected to carry 13 position players: catchers Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino; infielders Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Jeimer Candelario, and Santiago Espinal; utility player Gavin Lux; and outfielders TJ Friedl, Austin Hays, Jake Fraley, and Stuart Fairchild. If Steer is ready, he would complete the group.
If Steer isn’t available, the Reds may add another outfielder, with Will Benson, Blake Dunn, or Jacob Hurtubise as potential options. There’s also the possibility of a last-minute waiver claim, though it’s too early to predict such a move.
