The Cincinnati Reds have placed more minor leaguers on their forty man roster in order to protect them from the Rule 5 draft. All forty players must be given a chance at making the squad out of spring training. Last year the Red signed Alfredo Simon late in spring to start when there were younger options and it didn’t work out.
The Reds placed pitcher Jackson Stephens, an 18th round pick from Alabama, on their roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. He has been a true starting pitching prospect averaging nearly six innings per start.