Cooper Bowman

The Reds returned Rule 5 pick Cooper Bowman to the Athletics on Wednesday, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

Bowman, 25, managed just 3-for-25 this spring with Cincinnati—echoing skepticism from fans about his fit—after a .592 OPS across 38 Triple-A Las Vegas games in 2024, pointing him back there for 2025. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues can pass; his bat hasn’t shown enough to warrant a stash yet.

Cooper Bowman started in left field and went 0-for-2 in Sunday's spring game against San Francisco.

Fantasy Impact

A Rule 5 selection this offseason, Bowman is known for his defensive versatility, with experience at second base, shortstop, and center field. Manager Terry Francona has given him reps at first base and left field early in camp, increasing his chances of making the team. “The more versatile he is, the better,” Francona told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. While Bowman is 0-for-5 through two Cactus League games, his ability to play multiple positions could give him an edge in securing a spot on the Reds' Opening Day roster.