JJ Bleday signs deal with Cincinnati Reds; all you need to know

The Cincinnati Reds have added depth to their outfield by signing former Athletics outfielder JJ Bleday to a major league contract. The move will provide the Reds with a left-handed hitter who will bring proven power potential and years of team control.

Signing details and background

JJ Bleday, represented by Excel Sports Management, became a free agent after the Athletics non-tendered him following a designation for assignment in November.

The 28-year-old outfielder will offer the Cincinnati Reds three years of control through arbitration, plus a remaining minor league option. This flexibility allows the Reds to develop him further in Triple-A if needed, making it a low-risk addition for a team seeking offensive upside.

JJ Bleday's form

Selected fourth overall by the Miami Marlins in the 2019 draft out of Vanderbilt, JJ Bleday showed promise after a 2023 trade to Oakland. In 2024, during the Athletics' final season in Oakland, he posted a solid .243/.324/.437 slash line with 20 home runs and a 120 wRC+ over 642 plate appearances. That performance translated to 3.2 fWAR, despite defensive challenges in center field.

Expectations rose heading into 2025 at Sutter Health Park, but Bleday regressed sharply. He hit just .212/.294/.404 with 14 homers and a 90 wRC+ in 344 plate appearances across 98 games. Declines in barrel rate and strikeouts led to two demotions to Triple-A. The Athletics shifted him to corner outfield spots, where his defense remained average at best.

Cincinnati Reds' strategy

The Cincinnati Reds gain a bounce-back candidate with pedigree and left-handed pop, areas of need for the lineup. JJ Bleday's 2024 season proved he can contribute at the big-league level when things click, and a change of scenery could help recapture that form. With options remaining, the Reds can ease him into competition for playing time in the outfield corners or even center if his glove improves.

This signing fits the Reds' pattern of targeting high-upside players on cost-effective deals this offseason.