With the Christmas festivities now in the rearview mirror, the Cincinnati Reds decided to do a little post-holiday shopping. According to FanSided’s MLB insider Robert Murray, the Reds agreed to terms with former Athletics’ outfielder JJ Bleday. The Reds’ latest signing may once and for all put the recently resurfaced Luis Robert Jr. trade rumors to bed.
Bleday was projected by MLB Trade Rumors to take home approximately $2.2 million through arbitration in 2026. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, his deal with Cincinnati is worth just $1.4 million.
While that’s hardly enough to scare most teams away from attempting to make a trade for Robert, given the Reds lack of available funds this offseason, adding the Chicago White Sox outfielder to the payroll — while still seeking pitching help — seems next to impossible. The Reds’ payroll is expected to be less than $120 million in 2026, and they’ve already spent $14.5 million on Emilio Pagán and Caleb Ferguson.
Reds sign JJ Bleday, likely ending their pursuit of White Sox OF Luis Robert Jr.
Robert is slated to make $20 million next season. Even if the White Sox paid down Robert’s salary significantly, it’s difficult to see Cincinnati taking on that number, especially with Bleday in the fold.
Bleday, a former first-round pick of the Miami Marlins back in 2019, was traded to the A’s prior to the 2023 season. Through his four big-league seasons, Bleday owns a .215/.307/.404 slash line with a 99 OPS+. His best season came in 2024 when he hit .243/.324/.437 and had 20 home runs with a 120 wRC+. This past season, however, Bleday hit just .212/.294/.404 and was designated for assignment shortly after the MLB offseason began.
Bleday is well suited to platoon in left field for Cincinnati next season. Bleday has struggled against southpaws throughout his career (.219/.269/.390), meaning he’ll likely have a seat in the dugout when the Reds are facing a lefty.
Bleday still has minor-league options and is under team control through 2028. While the Reds could (and probably should) still try to add another high-upside bat to the roster, it’s unlikely to be Robert. The White Sox are said to be seeking young pitching in return for the former All-Star, and Cincinnati continues to put a high value on their surplus of talented arms.