It seems like the Cincinnati Reds are making roster decisions every day these days, and it’s continuing even with the spring season on. Five players were optioned to Triple-A, and one non-roster invitee was sent to the minor levels on the first significant day of cuts for the 40-man roster. These players include veterans like Bryan Shaw.

Yes, the 37-year-old relief pitcher was among the many players booted off the Reds’ roster. In 2024, Shaw was signed to a minor league contract with the Reds. So, why are the Reds in a mood to scale back their roster?

Well, it’s all racing against the time to finalize the 26-man roster. With just one week until their opening day game, the Reds are revamping their roster for one last time. For the unversed, there are currently 33 healthy players vying for the final seven places. Currently, the team has 33 sound players from whom they need to accommodate a 26-man roster.

Hence, 7 more spots will get cut. With Shaw’s veteran status, he’ll likely consider other teams first before considering the minor leagues. Well, that’s not the case here.

As per MLB insider Mark Sheldon, contrary to the popular route, Shaw has decided to stay with the Reds and report to Louisville’s Triple-A team this year. Yes, a road less-traveled. “He wants to stay,” the Reds manager, Terry Francona, said. He continued, “The guy has pitched 16 years. I’ve seen him have springs like this and then he goes out and throws in 81 games and faces the middle of the order all the time. That just wasn’t the position he was in this spring and he’s inconsistent with the strike zone.”

Shaw has struggled with his numbers for the last few years, and this spring is no exception. He just walked 9 batters while striking out only 7 from 7 innings.

A minor deal is a good option for him. For the Reds, getting a veteran to their Triple-A is always a welcoming step. Nevertheless, the Reds look set for a new team this year. 

The lean and mean Reds set to turn the tides in 2025

Last year, it was a debacle for the Reds. They ended with a 77-85 record. Thus, the Reds are beefing up this year. With a combination of veteran additions and youthful potential, the Reds are well-positioned for a successful 2025 season and hope to make the playoffs under new manager Terry Francona.

For the unversed, they have acquired Wade Miley on a non-roster invite and traded for Brady Singer. They also traded for Taylor Rogers to bolster their bullpen. So, even without big names like Juan Soto or Roki Sasaki, the Reds are looking for a mean and trimmed squad this year. 

The Reds are in contention for a playoff berth this year. They stand a very high chance of contending for a wild card spot, if not the NL Central division title. However, the roster cut might play a big role here for the team.

With scaling down on the players like Shaw, Connor Phillips, and Yosver Zulueta, it would be interesting to watch how the Reds are transformed from their last year. Well, their spring outing is still not as per the desired level, with their latest defeat against the Mariners. Thanks to their aggressive offseason and trimmed roster, 2025 might be a breakthrough season for the team, targeting its first division title since 2012.

Do you think the Reds can have a postseason run this year? Let us know in the comments below.