Reds could find ideal buy-low trade target in A's crowded outfield

It’s no secret that the Cincinnati Reds are in the market for an outfielder, and while there are a number of attractive matches out there, they'd do well to return to a familiar trade partner. The Reds temporarily solved their slugging struggles last summer by trading with the A’s for Miguel Andujar. The Athletics still have a logjam in the outfield, and the Reds may be the beneficiary once again.

In 2025, the A’s moved Tyler Soderstrom from first base to left field in order to make room for rookie phenom Nick Kurtz. The move worked. Soderstrom was a finalist for a Gold Glove in left, and he had his best season offensively.

This success (and the arrival of centerfield prospect Denzel Clarke) has come at the cost of playing time for former first-round pick JJ Bleday. The Reds would be a perfect fit for the left-handed-hitting Bleday.

The Reds could take advantage of the A’s crowded outfield and trade for JJ Bleday

Bleday had a breakout year in 2024 when he hit .243 with 20 homers and 43 doubles, good for fourth in the AL. He struggled at the plate in 2025 resulting in him bouncing between the majors and Triple-A. Bleday completely lost his form, increasing his strikeout rate by 7% and seeing his sweet-spot rate fall by the same margin. This is the kind of player that may benefit from a change of scenery.

Bleday could fill a role not dissimilar to that of Andujar. Bleday had an OPS of .870 against lefties in 2025. The Reds, on the other hand, had a collective OPS of .654 against southpaws. Even if the Reds tender Gavin Lux a contract in order to fill left field, Bleday fills a specific need against lefties better than any other player on the Reds’ roster.

The biggest hangup for a deal like this, though, would be who the Reds offer in return. Andujar cost the Reds a top (albeit undeveloped) pitching prospect in Kenya Huggins. One could expect that Bleday, who is under contract through 2028, would command a higher price. However, it’s possible that the A’s non-tender Bleday, making him a free agent and a potential steal for the Reds.

Signing or trading for Bleday would be a high-risk move, but the rewards could be significant. If the Reds get the Bleday of 2024, they could have the slugger they sorely need and yet another young star under contract for multiple years.