JJ Bleday is performing well with the Reds.
The Cincinnati Reds need an offensive boost. Sal Stewart has displayed potential in his rookie year, while Elly De La Cruz is a star. However, one player who is quietly making an impact in the lineup is JJ Bleday.
Bleday, 28, is hitting .321/.455/.755 in 21 games with Cincinnati this year. He also has six home runs. A former No. 4 overall pick, it seems as if Bleday is putting everything together.
Bleday made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2022. He then played for the Athletics from 2023-2025. There were times he displayed potential, but Bleday was unable to find consistent success. Perhaps that is changing in 2026. Right now, he looks like one of the best hitters on the Reds.
Former MLB player and current analyst Mark DeRosa recently gave a breakdown of Bleday's success at the plate during a segment on MLB Network.
As mentioned, De La Cruz is a great player. Stewart is going to be a star in MLB. Eugenio Suarez will make a significant impact once he returns from injury. The Reds need others to step up, though.
Bleday is getting the job done right now. He is an impactful player. The Reds need other players to make impacts as well, but they certainly will not complain about Bleday's production so far in 2026.
Reds Trying to Get Back on Track
Cincinnati was one of the better teams in MLB earlier in the season. They have struggled in recent action, however. The Reds were 3-7 over their past 10 games heading into Friday night's contest against the Cleveland Guardians.
Overall, the Reds are 23-21 and in last place in the surprisingly strong National League Central division. The NL Central has quietly been one of the better divisions in the sport this year. Every team is over .500 while the Chicago Cubs -- who currently lead the NL Central -- are one of the best teams in baseball.
The Reds can certainly still compete, though. They will need a more consistent all-around approach, but the team features enough talent to make noise in the standings.
Cincinnati is beginning a series with the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night. The game represents the first contest of a three-game series. It should be a competitive series between the two MLB ball clubs from Ohio.
The Reds could unquestionably use a series win as soon as possible.