Reds remain open to adding to the outfield

The Reds made a few depth additions in the outfield last week. They brought in the first midfielder with a glove Dan Myers in a small trade with Miami during the signing JJ Bleday to a $1.4 million clawback agreement. Neither player should be confined to mundane roles, but they will all compete for playing time TJ Friedl And Noëlvi Marte. Both signings have minor league options remaining and could be sent to Triple-A Louisville without waivers.

Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic write that the Reds are open to acquiring another outfielder, which they suggest is more likely to come via trade than free will. Their left field mix probably includes Bleday, Gavin Lux And Will Benson – all of whom batted from the left side. Friedl is also a left-handed hitter, making Marte and Myers their best right-handed options. Marte becomes the everyday right fielder. Myers has good career numbers against left-handed pitchers (.297/.360/.456), but has been nearly unplayable against right-handers.

The Reds have some flexibility in their positioning. They limited Spencer Steer mainly to first base this year after suffering a shoulder injury during Spring Training. If they feel better about testing his arm after a healthy offseason, he could get a few more starts in left field. Playing Steer in the outfield against left-handed pitching would free up more at-bats at first base Sal Stewartwhich comes from a .309/.383/.524 in Triple-A. Stewart reached the major leagues late in the season, hitting five home runs in 18 games. He’s one of the organization’s most exciting offensive players, but it remains to be seen if he can handle more than a spot start at a position other than first base or designated hitter.

Acquiring a center fielder could also push Friedl into a full-time role in left field. That’s easier said than done given the limited supply of midfielders on the trade market. Houston dangled Jake Meyers to start pitching before trading Jacob Melton as part of a package to be acquired Mike Burrows from Pittsburg. The White Sox have discussed Luis Robert Jr. with the Reds, among others, but his $20 million salary is a significant obstacle. Even if Chicago were willing to pay off some of the contract, it would increase prospects’ demand for their talented but inconsistent center fielder.

Sammon and Woo report that the Reds have not considered trading Friedl. He was under arbitration control for three seasons and led the team with an on-base percentage of .364 (min. 200 plate appearances). Friedl was at the top of Terry Francona’s batting order all year. He has useful range in center field but a below-average arm, which would make him a better fit on the left if the Reds can secure a clear upgrade in center.

Cincinnati’s payroll projection is around $111 million, as estimated by Grid source. The Reds opened the 2025 season with just under $116 million. President of baseball operations Nick Krall said at the start of the offseason he expected a similar number next year.