Reds Designate Keegan Thompson to Clear Roster Spot for JJ Bleday

Overview

• The Reds placed right-hander Keegan Thompson on waivers after designating him for assignment on Saturday.
• Thompson is out of minor league options and, because he was previously outrighted, he can elect free agency if he clears waivers and is outrighted again.
• He signed a split deal with Cincinnati in early November that pays $1.3 million for days spent on the Major League roster.
• The 30-year-old owns a 3.64 ERA over 227 1/3 MLB innings and posted a 4.50 ERA with a 29.5% strikeout rate at Triple-A Iowa in 2025.
• Bleday’s one-year Major League contract is now official, prompting the Reds to open the 40-man spot.