Reds rumors: 5 players who won’t be on the roster by July 1

4. Kevin Newman may not be on the Reds roster by July 1

Kevin Newman has provided the Reds with quality infield depth through the entire 2023 season. His spot likely wouldn’t be in jeopardy if it wasn’t for the surge of infield prospects flying up the ranks of the Reds system.

But, unfortunately for Newman, the Reds’ top infield prospects are here and they are here to stay. The Reds have their infield of the future in Cincinnati, with Spencer Steer, Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain and Jonathan India holding down the four infield spots for the most part. That leaves Newman as a rotational piece when his value is much more than that.

Newman has been good for the Reds, but not great. He does his job, hitting left-handed pitching and being able to move all over the infield to rotate as starters need days off. Both of these traits provide a decent amount of value to teams that are shallow at infield depth. His value is too high to be released. He will ultimately be dealt before the season’s end to make room for talented prospects in Cincinnati.

Newman will likely be replaced, positionally, by the young guys. His spot on the roster is almost solely there to hit left-handed pitching, but the Reds will be able to rotate their core four young infielders, as well as Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Nick Senzel around the infield enough to replace the versatile shortstop.

Encarnacion-Strand could see the call-up if Newman is dealt in a trade this month.