Cincinnati Reds Agree to Terms With Utility Player, Avoiding Arbitration

The Cincinnati Reds' infield still needs some work this offseason given that Sal Stewart has been their only consistent piece who can not only hit but also play multiple positions effectively.

On Thursday, the Reds may have made their search for defensive help a little easier, reaching a one-year, $1 million agreement with utility player Oswaldo Cabrera to avoid the possibility of him going to arbitration. 

The 27-year-old out of Guarenas, Venezuela was claimed off waivers by the organization on Sept. 18 from the New York Yankees where he spent the first four seasons of his major-league career.

He batted .243 and recorded a .322 on-base percentage during his final full season as a Yankee that was cut short in May 2025 when he slid awkwardly and suffered a season-ending left ankle fracture. 

Prior to joining Cincinnati, Cabrera spent most of this year with the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, hitting .288 while driving in 69 runs and nabbing 12 bases across 122 games. He also launched 19 home runs.

Cabrera has batted .308 through four games as a Red, logging four hits and scoring two runs. He would have his best game yet as the team wrapped up their season on Sept. 27, going a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate and scoring a run.

While it's a rather small sample size, Cabrera could come in handy next season as a key bat off the bench.

Moreover, he is not that far removed from a solid year in 2024 in which he hit .247 while recording a career-high 36 RBI and eight home runs. Cabrera put up similar numbers during his rookie season in New York, also batting .247 but only launching six homers.

With that, the Reds might be taking a decent gamble here given Cabrera's youth and versatility in the diamond.

Cincinnati's other infield options, Matt McLain and Ke'Bryan Hayes each had disappointing years, hitting .185 and .141 respectively. As a result, Cabrera should have a chance at taking either player's role if his bat heats up. 

Furthermore, Cabrera could complement second basemen Edwin Arroyo and Juan Brito who have shown flashes of offensive production as well. 

The Reds also have Spencer Steer who is currently recovering from a wrist issue that ended his season and caused him to need surgery on Sept. 30. Steer batted .238 before going down with the injury and could be an excellent mentor for Cabrera when he gets back.

While Cabrera works on his swing this offseason, Cincinnati will look to address other holes in the roster such as pitching depth.