Reds avoid arbitration with Oswaldo Cabrera, re-up on 1-year deal for '27

CINCINNATI -- The Reds made their first offseason signing of a player to avoid arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to terms with infielder/outfielder Oswaldo Cabrera on a one-year contract.

Cabrera will earn a base salary of $1 million and can earn an additional $200,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances.

Turning 28 on March 1, Cabrera was claimed off waivers from the Yankees on Sept. 18 with the move being made thinking ahead to 2027. He is under club control through the 2028 season.

Over four games for Cincinnati, Cabrera was 4-for-13 (.308) with two doubles after he went 0-for-9 in three games for New York after spending most of the season at Triple-A. At Scranton-Wilkes Barre, he batted .288 with a .789 OPS, 19 home runs and 69 RBIs in 122 games.

Cabrera, who sustained a gruesome left ankle fracture sliding into home plate in May 2025, can give manager Terry Francona defensive versatility in the field. He can play third base, shortstop, second base and both corner outfield positions.

There are 11 more Reds eligible for arbitration this winter. They are Andrew Abbott, Tejay Antone, Graham Ashcraft, JJ Bleday, Elly De La Cruz, Nick Lodolo, Matt McLain, Dane Myers, Tony Santillan, Spencer Steer and Brandon Williamson.