**JJ Bleday Signs with Reds After Release from A’s Following Down Year**
Key Takeaways:
- The Cincinnati Reds have signed outfielder JJ Bleday to a major league deal.
- Bleday was non-tendered by the Athletics after a disappointing 2025 season.
- The Reds now hold three years of team control over the former #4 overall pick.
CINCINNATI — Former top draft pick JJ Bleday is trending after signing a major league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, according to multiple reports on December 27, 2025. After being non-tendered by the Oakland Athletics last month, Bleday now gets a fresh opportunity with a team known for giving rebound candidates a second shot.
Reds Take a Flier After Oakland Exit
JJ Bleday, the fourth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, was let go by the A’s after a tough 2025 season in which he posted a .212/.294/.404 line with just 14 home runs over 344 plate appearances. His power dipped, strikeout rate worsened, and the club removed him from center field due to defensive issues. Oakland ultimately designated him for assignment and then declined to offer arbitration, making him a free agent.
From Rising Star to Roster Casualty
Bleday looked to have turned the corner in 2024, hitting 20 homers with a 120 wRC+ and producing 3.2 fWAR, even while struggling defensively in center field. However, his offensive and defensive numbers both fell off in 2025 with the move to Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park, a ballpark more favorable to hitters. The sudden drop-off led to multiple stints in Triple-A and questions about his long-term role. The A’s decision to non-tender a player projected to make only $2.2 million in arbitration shocked some observers, suggesting internal doubts about his ceiling.
How Bleday Fits in Cincinnati
The Reds view Bleday as a low-risk, high-upside bat. As of now, he’s expected to compete for at-bats as a corner outfielder, especially against right-handed pitching. Cincinnati’s hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park could provide another chance for the left-handed slugger to rediscover his 2024 form. With one minor league option remaining, the Reds can stash him in Triple-A if needed. They now have team control over Bleday through the 2028 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is JJ Bleday trending?
A: He signed a major league deal with the Cincinnati Reds after being cut loose by the Oakland Athletics.
Q: What happens next?
A: Bleday will compete for a roster spot heading into spring training. The Reds may option him to Triple-A if he struggles.
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