Reds add Bleday to outfield mix with 1-year deal

CINCINNATI -- Free-agent outfielder JJ Bleday knew plenty about Cincinnati. Bleday briefly lived across the river with a host family in Newport, Ky., while playing for the renowned Midland travel ball squad ahead of college. His first big league home run came in 2022 for the Marlins against then-Reds ace Luis Castillo at Great American Ball Park.

When the Reds showed interest in Bleday, the feeling was more than mutual -- and the outfielder signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract that comes with performance incentives on Saturday.

"I think it was a bunch of variables," Bleday said from his home in the Philadelphia area while wearing a new Reds cap gifted from his wife. "One of the main ones was a winning atmosphere, a winning culture. They made the playoffs last year. … It’s close to home where I grew up in Pittsburgh.

"I love the ballpark. I love the town. I love the city. It’s just a great organization … and just a great opportunity to play.”

A 28-year-old left-handed hitter, Bleday is able to play all three outfield positions but will be seeking to bounce back from a poor season.

Over 98 games for the A's in 2025, Bleday batted .212 with a .698 OPS, 14 home runs and 39 RBIs. He also was optioned to Triple-A twice during the season. Those numbers were significantly lower than his best year, 2024, when he batted .243 with a .761 OPS, a career-high 20 homers and 60 RBIs in 159 games.

"It was a little bit of physical, a little bit of mental," Bleday said when asked what was behind his down year. "I definitely pressed to do more and get results. Not up to my standards. I was disappointed, but I learned a lot about myself and what I had to do. I was able to finish the season strong. I feel like I’m in a good place now. I feel better and back to where I was in 2024. I’m really looking forward to spring here coming up with the adjustments I’ve made.”

Bleday's defense also regressed as he became a negative fielder by Outs Above Average at all three outfield positions, most notably in center (-5 OAA). The A's designated him for assignment on Nov. 18 and non-tendered him on Nov. 21, making Bleday a free agent for the first time in his career.

"I take a lot of pride in my defense. Last year, obviously, didn’t go as planned," Bleday said. "I’ve been taking a lot of pride in that this offseason -- doing a lot more popups, grounders, first-step stuff, agility."

The Reds saw Bleday as an upside move and expect him to compete for a corner outfield spot, rather than center field where they already have TJ Friedl.

"He had a 120 WRC+ in 2024," president of baseball operations Nick Krall said of Bleday. "If we can get him back to that, I think he was a three-win player two years ago. That’s an everyday player that’s got some legitimate add to your offense."

Hitting at cozy GABP should fit well with Bleday's lefty swing. He is 9-for-31 lifetime at Cincinnati, with five extra-base hits (two homers and three doubles).

"It definitely suits a lefty hitter for sure," Bleday said. "I naturally pull the baseball in the air without trying to do it. If it can benefit you when you have good contact, more power to you. As of now, I’m not really worried about any of that. I’m just focused on consistency and putting the bat on the ball and going back to the middle of the field.”

Among those with whom Bleday will be competing for a spot is Dane Myers, who was also acquired on Saturday in a trade with the Marlins.

"Obviously, they’re just not going to hand you a spot," Bleday said. "You’ve got to work for it, got to earn it. That was still enough for me to hear them out and want to come here.”

In order for the Reds to make room for Bleday on the 40-man roster, reliever Keegan Thompson was designated for assignment.