The Cincinnati Reds have officially parted ways with a veteran infielder after a rocky stint marked by injuries and underperformance. The team announced his release on June 29, just days after designating him for assignment on June 23 following his activation from the injured list.
This marks a sudden and dramatic turn for the Reds’ former offseason investment. The player signed a three-year contract with the team before the 2024 season, with a fourth-year option, in a deal that signaled high expectations for offensive production and infield stability.
In his debut season with Cincinnati, he showed flashes of power by hitting 20 home runs and adding 23 doubles and two triples in 112 games. However, his inability to consistently get on base or hit for average (.225/.279) raised early concerns despite his slugging ability.
Those struggles only intensified in 2025. Over the first month of the season, he posted a dismal .113 batting average with just a .198 OBP and a .213 slugging percentage. His performance at the plate was further marred by 29 strikeouts before a lumbar spine strain landed him on the injured list.
After more than a month of recovery, he began a rehab assignment that included time in rookie ball and Triple-A Louisville. But the comeback effort failed to impress, as he hit poorly and struck out 19 times in 15 games, showing little sign of a turnaround.
The Reds ultimately decided to move on, even though the financial implications are significant. The club remains on the hook for $16 million in 2025, $13 million in 2026, and a $3 million buyout in 2027 — a costly reminder of a signing that never met expectations.
