6 Reds prospects who could earn a 40-man roster spot despite Rule 5 uncertainty

Blog Red Machine highlights six Cincinnati Reds prospects who could be added to the 40-man roster this offseason to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft. Despite potential schedule disruptions stemming from an impending lockout, teams are expected to prepare normally. The candidates identified to receive protection include position players Carlos Sanchez, Jay Allen II, Carter Graham, and Cam Collier, as well as pitchers Cody Adcock and Bryce Hubbart.

Writer Drew Koch highlights Graham as a primary candidate after hitting 29 home runs with a 151 wRC+ across the minor leagues in 2026. Meanwhile, Collier is considered a question mark following a drop in power, while arms like Adcock and Hubbart offer high strikeout capability that could prompt Cincinnati to secure them from rival organizations.