The Cincinnati Reds have announced their spring training non-roster invites for 2018. The Reds have extended invites to 17 non-40-man roster players. Here’s the list:
Pitchers
- Barrett Astin (RHP)
- Kyle Crockett (LHP)
- Rafael De Paula (RHP)
- Jimmy Herget (RHP)
- Joe Mantiply (LHP)
- Tanner Rainey (RHP)
- Kevin Quackenbush (RHP)
Catchers
Infielders
- Brandon Dixon (also an outfielder)
- Patrick Kivlehan (also an outfielder)
- Nick Senzel
- Darnell Sweeney (also an outfielder)
Outfielders
The Pitching Invites
Among the list of pitchers invited to spring training one guy stands out as the favorite to make the team: Jimmy Herget. Arguably the top relief prospect in the system, he’s dominated his entire way up through the system. He’s pitched in Billings, Daytona, Pensacola and Louisville with a combined ERA of 2.49 in 148.0 innings. Herget topped out last season in Triple-A, posting a 3.06 ERA in 32.1 innings for the Bats. Barrett Astin could be the sleeper on the list, though. He battled injuries throughout 2017, but in 2016 he was outstanding and seemed like he was on the verge of pitching in the Majors. With better health he could be in the thick of things once again. Tanner Rainey likely needs more work in the minors, but he’s got the best pure stuff of anyone on the list.
The Position Player Invites
I’d be surprised if any of the non-roster invites made the team out of spring training. If someone were to make the team, though, it would seem to come from the players listed as infielders. Also, it would seem incredibly unlikely that the player would be Nick Senzel, if for no other reason than for future control. Brandon Dixon and Darnell Sweeney both could provide position flexibility on the bench, playing both infield and outfield if the team feels the need for someone outside of the 40-man roster who could fill such a role. With three catchers already on the 40-man roster, unless there are multiple injuries, it’s hard to see the Reds bringing one of the three non-roster guys north. In the outfield the team currently seems like they’ve got no open spots. That could change over the course of the offseason with trades, but for now, there doesn’t seem to be a spot open.