The Cincinnati Reds could benefit from a rejuvenated JJ Bleday in 2026.
The Cincinnati Reds have had a relatively quiet offseason following their return to the MLB playoffs in 2025. Although Cincinnati’s postseason run ended in the opening round, it signaled the start of what could be a new era for the franchise, built around a promising young core and supplemented by strategic additions.
Last week, the front office made one of those moves, signing outfielder JJ Bleday to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million. The deal represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity, as Bleday is viewed as a major bounce-back candidate heading into the 2026 season.
The 28-year-old was once considered one of the most polished hitters in his draft class, selected fourth overall in the 2019 MLB Draft. Yet his development has stalled at the MLB level. In 2025 with the Athletics, Bleday posted a .212 batting average, a .294 on-base percentage and a .698 OPS, along with 14 home runs and 39 RBIs across 98 appearances. He was optioned to Triple-A twice during the season, a clear step backward from 2024, when he had taken a noticeable stride forward.
Still, the Reds believe there is untapped potential. Bleday spoke on Zoom following the official announcement of his signing, addressing the struggles of last season. Asked about the setback, he explained, “Yeah, it was a little bit of physical, a little bit of mental. Definitely pressed to, I feel like, do more and get results. Not up to my standards. I was disappointed, but I learned a lot about myself and what I had to do. I was able to finish the season strong.”
“I feel like I’m in a good place now. I feel like I’m better than back to where I was in 2024. I’m really looking forward to spring here coming up and with the adjustments I’ve made. Yeah, it’s just one of those things where you just got to learn from it. And again, just not try to do too much and go out and compete,” he continued.
For Cincinnati, the hope is that Bleday’s renewed confidence and adjustments at the plate translate into sustained offensive production. If he can rediscover the consistency that once made him a top prospect, he could provide valuable depth and left-handed power to a lineup already anchored by Elly De La Cruz. In a quiet offseason, the Reds are betting that Bleday’s rebound could become one of their most impactful moves.