Cincinnati Reds sign outfielder JJ Bleday
Digest more
The Cincinnati Reds have announced a new signing. JJ Bleday, an outfielder with the Athletics, has agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Reds for the 2026 season. In announcing the signing, the Reds said that the 28-year-old was a versatile player who could play all three outfield positions.
Myers can play all three outfield spots, run, and hold his own without needing to be sheltered. He’s also under club control for multiple seasons, giving the Reds flexibility without blocking younger players or forcing short-term decisions. That kind of depth often separates teams that flirt with contention from those that sustain it.
Miami's decision to move on from Myers was surprising, but they were able to acquire outfielder Ethan O'Donnell as part of the deal. O'Donnell was the Reds' No. 18 overall prospect in 2025. The Reds are likely not done making moves. They would like to compete in 2026, and adding a few more bats to the lineup should be their priority.
Just for comparison’s sake, Nick Kurtz had 5.4 WAR last year. He was drafted in the 2024 MLB Draft just a few picks after Chase Burns. I bring him into this to illustrate the fact that all of the combined moves made by the Reds in the last five-plus years have amassed exactly 2.1 more WAR than Kurtz did with his rookie season.
The Cincinnati Reds have signed former first round draft pick outfielder JJ Bleday to a one year 1.4 million dollar contract.
As the Reds look for a significant offensive boost this offseason, they have been able to shore up other areas of need. On Saturday, that meant two separate value additions to their outfield. Not long after signing free agent JJ Bleday to a one-year,
Austin Konenski of Sportsnaut listed the Cincinnati Reds as a potential landing spot for Chisholm, which would pair the slugger next to Elly De La Cruz in the infield.
Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart joined the Reds Hot Stove last week to discuss a plethora of topics, including how hard he's been training this offseason to get ready for spring training. Stewart shared that he's been working hard on his conditioning and has lost some weight.