Reds hidden offseason addition is making a huge statement in Triple-A

The Cincinnati Reds signed first baseman Michael Toglia to a minor-league contract this past winter and extended a non-roster invite to spring training. He hit .286/.375/.500 in 13 Cactus League games, but didn't make the Reds Opening Day roster and was then outrighted to Triple-A Louisville to begin the 2026 season. Since his arrival in the Derby City, however, Toglia's been absolutely raking.

Toglia's power is well documented — 36 combined home runs over the past two seasons with the Colorado Rockies — but the strikeouts always got in the way. So far this season, Toglia has kept the strikeouts to a minimum (26.6% K-rate) and has been drawing walks at over a 15% clip.

Toglia's played in 46 games with the Louisville Bats this season and is currently hitting .253/.365/.494 with nine home runs, 29 RBI, and he's even tacked on three stolen bases. That all adds up to a 112 wRC+, and his .241 ISO is also extremely impressive. Toglia is a switch-hitter to boot, and has found increased success against right-handed pitching while hitting from the left side (.274/.358/.532).

Michael Toglia brings added depth to Reds' minor league roster

A first baseman by trade, however, it's difficult to see Toglia receiving a promotion to the big-league roster anytime soon. Nathaniel Lowe, Sal Stewart, and Spencer Steer have been splitting duty at the cold corner all season, and the Reds expect fellow corner infielder Eugenio Suárez to return to from his rehab assignment soon.

Toglia has outfield experience with the Rockies organization, but the Reds have kept him on the infield dirt at Louisville, and he could obviously act as the team's designated hitter.

Having Toglia's bat down in the minor leagues, especially after trading Rece Hinds earlier this week, adds a measure of depth that Cincinnati hasn't had in Triple-A for quite some time. Throw in fellow veterans like Michael Chavis and Garrett Hampson along with top prospects like Edwin Arroyo and Hector Rodriguez, and one can see how stacked the Reds' Triple-A roster truly is.

There doesn't seem to be a path to the big leagues at the moment, but the baseball season is a long one and anything can happen. If Toglia continues to crush the opposition, there's a good chance he'll receive an opportnity at some point this season.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow