Reds could turn Astros DFA into an ideal center field pairing with Carlos Jorge

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Carlos Jorge made his Major League debut in 2026. Known for his blazing speed and elite glove-work, Jorge will be looking to join the Reds' Opening Day roster next season.

But the Reds can't put all their eggs in one basket, and will need to find a viable platoon partner to pair with Jorge in 2027. The Houston Astros may have just provided the perfect solution after designating Jake Meyers for assignment.

Meyers was plagued by injuries this past season, but had a breakout year with the Astros in 2025. He hit .292/.354/.373 and recorded 16 stolen bases while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field.

For his career, Meyers has accounted for 22 defensive runs saved (DRS) and 43 outs above average (OAA). He certainly fits the mold of a team looking to add defensive-minded players to the roster, and shouldn't cost much on the open market.

Reds could give Carlos Jorge a perfect platoon partner after Astros DFA Jake Meyers

Jorge is a phenomenal defensive talent, but he struggled against left-handed pitching in the minor leagues last season. In just 69 at-bats, he hit .261/.329/.348 compared to his .305/.373/.430 slash line against right-handed pitching. For his career, Meyers has handled lefties to the tune of .256/.312/.406.

The Reds have already spoken about the need to give Terry Francona more platoon options, and given the team's payroll expectations for next season, betting on a bounce back from a player like Meyers could be the low-cost option Nick Krall could be looking for.

Blake Dunn is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and his timeline to return to the active roster is unknown. Dane Myers held his own in center field after TJ Friedl was optioned to the minor leagues, and while he certainly approached his role with a fearless attitude, the stats don't necessarily suggest that Meyers is an above-average defender.

Myers recorded -8 DRS and just 1 OAA in center field last season. He may be better suited to be paired alongside JJ Bleday as a platoon parter in left field, and has more than enough arm strength to compliment Héctor Rodríguez in right.

The Reds are going to need to find way to make the small moves count this offseason, and adding Meyers to the roster would certainly qualify. If he's fully recovered from the oblique strain that robbed him of all but 57 games last season, it might be worth the gamble.

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