Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott was in attendance at Xavier University.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott made a notable offseason appearance at Xavier University this week, underscoring the growing ties between the Reds and the Musketeers.
The Reds shared on X that Abbott was in attendance before Wednesday’s men’s basketball game at Cintas Center, where Xavier hosted Butler.
His presence highlighted the organization’s commitment to engaging with the community and strengthening the recently announced 10‑year partnership naming Xavier the official university of the Reds.
Abbott’s visit comes at a time when the left‑hander has firmly established himself as one of the Reds’ most reliable arms. Drafted in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of Virginia, Abbott debuted just two years later in 2023. Since then, he has steadily grown into a fixture in Cincinnati’s rotation.
Over three seasons through 2025, Abbott compiled a 28‑23 record with a 3.42 ERA, striking out 383 batters across 413 2/3 innings. His breakout 2025 campaign included a 2.87 ERA, 149 strikeouts and his first career complete game and shutout, cementing his reputation as a durable and dependable starter.
For Xavier, Abbott’s appearance was another example of how the partnership with the Reds is already taking shape. The collaboration promises expanded internship opportunities, curriculum development in sports management, mentorship programs and co‑branding across both Great American Ball Park and the Xavier campus.
Reds players and staff are expected to participate in classes and speaker series, giving students real‑time insights into the professional sports industry. Abbott’s attendance at the basketball game offered a tangible glimpse of that connection, bridging the Reds’ clubhouse with Xavier’s student body and fan community.
The timing of Abbott’s visit also reflects the Reds’ broader offseason narrative. While the team has made headlines with roster moves and long‑term planning, appearances like this reinforce the organization’s investment in Cincinnati beyond the diamond.
Abbott, entering his fourth MLB season in 2026, represents both the present and future of the Reds’ rotation, and his involvement in community events underscores the leadership role he is beginning to embrace.
As Xavier continues to celebrate its new partnership with the Reds, moments like Abbott’s appearance at Cintas Center highlight the shared vision between the two institutions: investing in talent, fostering connections and building a stronger Cincinnati.
For Abbott, it was a chance to step away from the mound and into the community spotlight, embodying the Reds’ commitment to both baseball excellence and civic engagement.