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4d ago

Reds Sign Former No. 4 Pick JJ Bleday to Major-League Deal

The move gives Cincinnati three years of control with option flexibility following Oakland’s November non-tender.

Sep 1, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Athletics right fielder JJ Bleday (33) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
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Sep 5, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Athletics right fielder JJ Bleday (33) runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report Bleday agreed to a big-league contract with Cincinnati, with MLB.com noting a one-year term pending club confirmation.
  • The Reds can option Bleday to Triple-A and hold his rights for three seasons of team control.
  • Bleday’s 2024 with Oakland featured a .243/.324/.437 line, 20 home runs and a 120 wRC+ that totaled 3.2 fWAR.
  • His production fell in 2025 to a .212/.294/.404 line with 14 homers and a 90 wRC+, leading to two Triple-A stints in a 98-game MLB season.
  • Oakland designated Bleday for assignment in November before non-tendering him; the former 2019 fourth overall pick now returns to the National League for the first time since 2022.