The Reds made some deep additions to the outfield last week. They brought in a glove-first center fielder Dane Myers in a minor trade with Miami when he signed JJ Bleday in a $1.4MM reclamation agreement. Neither player should be locked into everyday roles, but each will compete for playing time on the sidelines TJ Friedl again Noelvi Marte. Both acquisitions have a minor league option remaining and could be sent to Triple-A Louisville without being waived.
Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic wrote that the Reds are open to acquiring another outfielder, suggesting it may come via trade rather than free agency. Their left-field mix may have featured Bleday, Gavin Lux again Is Benson – each of them hit the left side. Friedl is also a left-handed hitter, leaving Marte and Myers as their top options in right. Marte will be the right player every day. Myers has good career numbers against lefties (.297/.360/.456) but has been nearly unplayable against righties.
The Reds have some flexibility in their positioning. They limit Spencer Steer especially for the first time this year after injuring his shoulder in Spring Training. If they feel better about evaluating his arm after a healthy season, he could make a few more starts in left field. Playing Steer in the outfield versus left-handed pitching will free up more bats Sal Stewartwho is coming off a .309/.383/.524 showing in Triple-A. Stewart reached the majors late in the season and hit five home runs in 18 games. He’s one of the organization’s most offensive players, though it remains to be seen if he can handle more than a starting spot outside of first base or designated hitter.
Acquiring a center fielder could push Friedl into a full-time left tackle role. That’s easier said than done given the limited supply of market participants. Houston is standing Jake Meyers start stopping before trading Jacob Melton as part of a package you can get Mike Burrows from Pittsburgh. They discussed the white Sox Luis Robert Jr. with the Reds, among other clubs, but his $20MM salary is a significant hurdle. Even if Chicago could be willing to pay a portion of the contract, that would boost their hopes for their talented but inconsistent player.
Sammon and Woo report that the Reds have never considered trading Friedl. He has been under arbitration control for three seasons and led the team with a .364 on-base percentage (min. 200 plate appearances). Friedl has been at the top of Terry Francona’s batting order all year. He has serviceable range in center field but a below-average arm that would make him a better fit in left if the Reds are able to improve the quality in center.
Cincinnati’s average payroll sits at around $111MM, as estimated by RosterResource. The Reds opened the 2025 season with just under $116MM. President of baseball operations Nick Krall said at the start of the season that he expects the same number next year.
