The Cincinnati Reds acquired another outfielder.
The Cincinnati Reds front office made a pair of moves on Saturday designed to bolster the organization’s depth in the outfield. First, Cincinnati signed JJ Bleday to a one-year deal, viewing him as a bounce-back candidate after a difficult season with the Athletics. Shortly after, the Reds announced they had acquired outfielder Dane Myers from the Miami Marlins in exchange for prospect Ethan O’Donnell. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Lyon Richardson was designated for assignment.
Myers arrives in Cincinnati with far more team control than Bleday. The 29-year-old has spent his entire major league career with the Marlins, debuting in 2023, but has struggled to carve out consistent playing time. Even when on the field, his offensive production has been modest. In 2025, Myers posted a .235 batting average, a .291 on-base percentage and a .617 OPS, along with six home runs and 31 RBIs across 106 appearances.
Still, there are encouraging aspects to his game. Myers brings speed and versatility, swiping 18 bases in 23 attempts last season, and he is regarded as a strong defender capable of handling all three outfield positions. For a Reds team that struggled defensively at times in 2025, his glove and athleticism represent a clear upgrade. Cincinnati’s front office has emphasized improving run prevention, and Myers fits that vision even if his bat remains a question mark.
As for O’Donnell, the 23-year-old was ranked as the Reds’ No. 18 prospect at the time of the trade. A sixth-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of the University of Virginia, O’Donnell has yet to play above the Double-A level. In 2025, he slashed .236/.327/.325 with 13 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 56 RBIs and 20 stolen bases across 125 games. While O’Donnell offers upside, particularly with his speed and defensive tools, he remains a developmental project. Myers, by contrast, is a more immediate contributor who aligns with Cincinnati’s timeline as the club looks to build on its 2025 playoff appearance.
Taken together, the additions of Bleday and Myers reflect the Reds’ strategy of balancing short-term depth with long-term control. Bleday offers a chance at offensive upside if he can rediscover his swing, while Myers provides defense, speed and roster stability.
For a team seeking to solidify its outfield and support a young core led by Elly De La Cruz, these moves demonstrate Cincinnati’s intent to remain competitive in the National League while continuing to shape its roster for the future.