The Cincinnati Reds announced a disappointing roster move on Wednesday.
The Cincinnati Reds made a disappointing roster move before Wednesday's game against the Miami Marlins involving former prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand.
Encarnacion-Strand has been designated for assignment, the team announced, bringing an abrupt halt to what once looked like a promising role in Cincinnati’s long-term plans. In a corresponding move, catcher P.J. Higgins was added to the 40-man roster after being recalled.
The move comes as the Reds deal with an injury behind the plate, as Jose Trevino was placed on the injured list due to a thoracic spine strain. Higgins will now serve as the backup to Tyler Stephenson while Trevino is sidelined.
For Encarnacion-Strand, the decision is an unfortunate development given the expectations that once surrounded him. He was widely viewed as the future long-term piece at first base following the departure of franchise legend Joey Votto, and he showed flashes of that potential during his rookie campaign in 2023. Across 63 games, he posted a .270 batting average, .328 on-base percentage, .805 OPS, 13 home runs and 37 RBIs.
However, consistency and health have been major obstacles since then. Encarnacion-Strand opened the 2024 season as Cincinnati’s everyday first baseman but struggled out of the gate, hitting just .190 over the first 29 games. His season was then cut short by a broken wrist in early May, halting any chance of regaining momentum.
The struggles carried into 2025. He again began with a starting role but produced a .208 batting average, .234 on-base percentage and .610 OPS before suffering a back injury. He was optioned to Triple-A in July and has not been able to reestablish himself since.
He was originally acquired in a 2022 trade deadline deal with the Minnesota Twins that sent pitcher Tyler Mahle the other way. Encarnacion-Strand was part of a package that also included Spencer Steer. While Steer has provided steady production and utility for manager Terry Francona, Encarnacion-Strand has yet to deliver on his early promise and now may be heading to another organization if he is claimed on waivers.
Encarnacion‑Strand’s situation also became more complicated with the emergence of Sal Stewart, who has taken over first base and quickly become an early National League Rookie of the Year frontrunner.
Stewart’s production through the first two weeks of 2026 has solidified his place in Cincinnati’s long‑term plans, leaving fewer opportunities for Encarnacion‑Strand to work his way back. With Stewart thriving, the Reds haev shifted their focus toward players who fit their current direction leading to Encarnacion-Strand being DFA'd.