5 Reds Who Are Dead Weight and Likely Won’t Survive June
If the Cincinnati Reds truly plan to contend for the NL Central title, some hard decisions must be made—and fast. The roster is bloated with underperformers and fringe players who no longer deserve a spot on the 40-man. With injuries piling up and top prospects pressing for promotion, it’s time for the Reds to trim the fat and move forward.
Here are five players who have become liabilities and likely won’t last beyond the month of June:
1. Yosver Zulueta – RHP
Once considered a promising arm, Zulueta’s time is likely up. After a poor defensive play earlier in the season, he was swiftly sent back to Triple-A. Since then, he’s posted a 6.88 ERA and an alarming 16% walk rate for Louisville. With arms like Zach Maxwell and Joe La Sorsa knocking on the door, there’s no reason to keep Zulueta on the 40-man.
2. Garrett Hampson – Utility
The major-league deal for Hampson raised eyebrows from the start. He was underwhelming in Arizona, and Cincinnati’s gamble hasn’t paid off. While he’s filled in due to injuries, the return of Noelvi Marte and Christian Encarnacion-Strand will render his roster spot redundant. Expect the Reds to move on.
3. Jacob Hurtubise – OF
While Hurtubise’s rise from obscurity is admirable, his performance hasn’t warranted a 40-man spot. Despite a solid .350 OBP in Triple-A, his .120 batting average in the bigs has been unplayable. Injuries gave him a shot, but with more talented outfielders in the pipeline, his time is limited.
4. Blake Dunn – OF
After being named the 2023 Reds Minor League Player of the Year, expectations were high—but reality has hit hard. Dunn has slashed .140/.210/.211 in Triple-A and is striking out at a 38.7% clip. His speed and glove are solid, but not enough to justify continued patience.
5. Connor Joe – Utility
At 32, Joe’s versatility might be his only saving grace—but even that won’t be enough for much longer. He’s hitting .216/.275/.270, and with reverse splits limiting his value against right-handers, he’s become a rarely used piece with little upside. DFA or minor league assignment feels imminent.
As the All-Star break approaches and Cincinnati gears up for a playoff push, the front office must stop holding onto unproductive players. Whether it’s to create space for surging prospects or to shake off roster stagnation, these five names look like clear-cut candidates to be off the Reds’ 40-man roster by July.
