In a surprising move that might just brighten the offseason, the Cincinnati Reds have made headlines by signing outfielder JJ Bleday for the 2026 season. This announcement was first shared by Robert Murray from Fansided, revealing that Bleday's contract is worth $1.4 million for one year. To accommodate this new addition on their 40-man roster, the Reds have designated reliever Keegan Thompson for assignment.
JJ Bleday, who was selected as the 4th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, has played sporadically in the big leagues over the past four years. He became available after the Oakland Athletics designated him for assignment in November and subsequently non-tendered him. Bleday's performance has been a mixed bag; he has recorded a negative Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in three of his four seasons. However, during the 2024 campaign—his most extensive playing time to date—he excelled, achieving a 2.1 WAR across 159 games. In that season, he managed to hit .243 with an on-base percentage of .324 and a slugging percentage of .437, totaling 43 doubles, four triples, and 20 home runs. His performance translated to a 120 OPS+, indicating that he was 20% more effective than the average player when accounting for park effects.
Unfortunately, Bleday's fortunes took a downturn in 2025. He struggled significantly at the plate, posting a disappointing .212 batting average along with a .294 on-base percentage and a .404 slugging percentage in 98 games. Although he displayed flashes of talent during his stints in Triple-A, particularly in Las Vegas where he boasted a remarkable line of .353/.409/.571 with 13 extra-base hits over 28 games, his struggles in the major leagues were hard to overlook.
Throughout his career, Bleday has maintained an average contact rate, but this percentage dipped in 2025 as he faced a striking issue, recording a strikeout rate of 26.5%. While he has shown an ability to walk frequently and possesses decent power, his overall batting average stands at a lowly .215 in the majors. Historically, he has fared better against right-handed pitchers, holding an OPS of .713 compared to .660 against left-handed pitchers. Interestingly, in 2025, he performed better against lefties, hitting .324 with a .370 on-base percentage over 68 at-bats. For complete career statistics, you can check his profile on Baseball Reference.
Defensively, Bleday has primarily played center field, although he has also seen time in both corner outfield positions. Unfortunately, defensive metrics suggest that he has underperformed in center field, being rated as below-average in terms of fielding ability.
As for where Bleday fits within the Reds' roster, it’s a bit unclear. He shares similar attributes with several other outfielders currently on the team. His tendency to be a platoon hitter and below-average defensive capabilities complicate his role, especially since he has had more success in Triple-A than in the major leagues. Although he has one option remaining, which could give him an advantage for a backup outfield position during spring training, the Reds are not obligated to keep him if another player impresses them more.
Regarding Keegan Thompson, his contract could play in the Reds’ favor. After signing a one-year deal with Cincinnati last November, his minor league salary is set at $350,000 if he doesn't make it back to the majors, while he would earn a prorated $1.3 million if he does. In 2025, Thompson spent the entire season with the Chicago Cubs’ Triple-A team, posting a 4.50 ERA over 64 innings alongside 83 strikeouts.
Although Thompson's designation for assignment leaves room for potential claims from other teams, he could opt for free agency if he clears waivers. Given his financial situation, however, it's more likely that he would accept a minor league assignment, securing at least $350,000 for the upcoming 2026 season.
