Los Angeles Dodgers’ Josue de Paula, right, steals second base as Cincinnati Reds second baseman Juan Brito, left, take the throw during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, in Cincinnati.
Carolyn Kaster – AP
With available playing time in the Cincinnati Reds’ starting lineup and flexibility on the team’s 40-man roster, the Reds were able to add two pieces via waivers who have a chance to be a part of the team’s plans for 2027.
Juan Brito has benefited from the chance to show what he can do in September, and Oswaldo Cabrera joined the organization on Saturday with an opportunity to be a utility player for the team going forward.
Brito was caught in a roster crunch with the Cleveland Guardians after the trade deadline. The 24-year-old was recently a notable prospect in the team’s system, and he got a brief chance to be the Guardians’ every day second baseman early in this season.
While Brito struggled offensively in his cup of coffee in the big leagues early in the season, he said that he has improved in several areas since then. The most notable has been the switch-hitter’s production from the left side of the plate.
Brito had surgery on his hamstring last September, and he benefited from the time to get back to full strength.
“That took from away my abilities to hit from the left side,” Brito said. “The confidence that I get from my teammates, from the coaches, all of the people on the staff and the medical staff, everything has been really positive. It feels good.”
When the Reds acquired Brito in early August, he reported to Louisville. The Reds called him up in early September during a week where shortstop Elly De La Cruz was banged up and had to be the designated hitter for a few games. That meant that the team needed some extra infield depth, and Brito got a shot. When he produced, he stuck on the roster.
Brito’s success at the plate has led to him playing almost every day over the last week.
“Right-handed, (his swing) is very short and to the ball,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. “Left-handed, it’s a little different. That happens with guys a lot. I also think confidence plays a big part. He’s playing a bit, and he’s trying to take advantage of it. He’s playing the game, and that’s what we really like. Not trying to do too much.”
Brito has the ability to play first, second and third base as well as the outfield, and his switch hitting adds to his versatility. While he doesn’t profile as an impact defender and doesn’t hit for much power, he’s getting the shot to show that his contact-first approach at the plate can bring value to the Reds’ lineup.
The Reds made the bench more versatile over the weekend by claiming Cabrera, who can play seven positions and was a regular starter for the Yankees for some long stretches over the last few seasons. Cabrera had spent most of this year in Triple-A.
“This is a guy we view can possibly stay here and be on our club next year,” Francona said. “The reports on him have been off the charts with makeup, he has played seven positions… We can’t pass this one up.”
Cabrera debuted in 2022 and became a fan favorite because of how hard he played. While Cabrera was a below-average hitter, he was solid versus right-handed pitching (like Brito, Cabrera is a switch hitter). He had a nice year in 2024, posting a 1.3 WAR in 108 games. In 2025, Cabrera suffered a season-ending ankle injury in May.
This year, he posted a .790 OPS in Triple-A and also appeared in three big league games for the Yankees.
“Oswaldo’s come back from a very difficult (ankle) injury and had a really good year down in Triple-A,” Aaron Boone told New York reporters, according to MLB dot com. “He’s playing really well. So hopefully this is just one of those things, and I’m confident that Oswaldo will go on to have a very good career.“
Where Brito and Cabrera fit into the Reds’ plans for 2027 won’t be completely clear until next spring. But for a team that didn’t have anything set on their bench for next season’s roster, they each bring versatility that should give the team more options next spring.
Starting pitcher Carson Spiers also is getting an opportunity to make an impression during the final week of the season.
On Sunday, the Reds placed starting pitcher Chase Burns on the injured list with a groin injury. The Reds have been keeping an eye on Burns’ innings, and he now wraps up an incredibly successful first full season in the big leagues.
Spiers opened the 2025 season in the Reds’ rotation, suffered a shoulder injury in April and then injured his elbow in July. He’s now back from Tommy John surgery.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Juan Brito (46) throws the ball during the ninth inning of a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Diego Padres, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in Cincinnati.
Tony Wagner – FR172429 AP