Former top outfield prospect returns to Reds organization

Stuart Fairchild, after a two-year absence, is back in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Fairchild was claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants and assigned to Triple-A Louisville.

In order to make room for Fairchild on the 40-man roster, Cincinnati designated James Marninan for assignment. Marinan has a 7.71 ERA in 10 games at High-A Dayton this season.

Fairchild was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with utility infielder Josh VanMeter prior to the trade deadline in 2020. In return, the Reds received reliever Archie Bradley.

Former OF prospect Stuart Fairchild was claimed off waivers by the Reds.

Stuart Fairchild was a second-round pick of the Cincinnati Reds in the 2017 MLB Draft. The Reds' first-round pick that year was flame-throwing right-hander Hunter Greene.

Fairchild doesn't do any one thing great, but he does a lot of things well. The 26-year-old can play all three outfield spots. Fairchild has the speed to play center field and enough arm strength to setup shop in right field.

Fairchild hasn't had much success in the majors, but he really hasn't had a fair shake. The right-handed hitter only has 26 at-bats, including 11 this season while spending time with the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants.

Stuart Fairchild has a similar makeup to outfielders TJ Friedl and Jake Fraley, so it'll be interesting to see if and when the Wake Forest alum is able to make his Cincinnati Reds debut.

Stuart Fairchild is not a burner, but he can swipe a bag from time to time. Fairchild previously stole 35 bases during his first two season with the Reds organization back in 2017 and 2018.

With the likelihood of Tyler Naquin and Tommy Pham being on the trade block and Aristides Aquino losing his roster spot when the Reds are fully healthy, adding a serviceable outfielder to the roster is a wise pick up for Cincinnati.