Reds newest addition quietly closes the door on Luis Robert Jr. trade rumors

With the Christmas festivities now in the rearview mirror, the Cincinnati Reds decided to do a little post-holiday shopping. According to FanSided's MLB insider Robert Murray, the Reds agreed to terms with former Athletics' outfielder JJ Bleday. The Reds' latest signing may once and for all put the recently resurfaced Luis Robert Jr. trade rumors to bed.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Bleday's deal with Cincinnati is worth just $1.4 million. While that's hardly enough to scare most teams away from attempting to make a trade for Robert, given the Reds lack of available funds this offseason, adding the Chicago White Sox outfielder to the payroll — while still seeking to upgrade the bullpen — seems highly unlikely.

The Reds' payroll is expected to be less than $120 million in 2026, and they've already spent a combined $14.5 million on closer Emilio Pagán and left-hander Caleb Ferguson. Adding Bleday fills a need for the Reds, and now the front office — with what little money they have left to spend — will likely focus on adding to the relief corps.

Reds sign JJ Bleday, likely ending their pursuit of White Sox OF Luis Robert Jr.

Bleday, a former first-round pick of the Miami Marlins back in 2019, was traded to the A's prior to the 2023 season. Through his four big-league seasons, Bleday owns a .215/.307/.404 slash line with a 99 OPS+. His best season came in 2024 when he hit .243/.324/.437 and had 20 home runs with a 120 wRC+. This past season, however, Bleday hit just .212/.294/.404 and was designated for assignment shortly after the MLB offseason began.

Bleday is well suited to platoon in left field for Cincinnati next season. He's struggled against southpaws throughout his career (.219/.269/.390), meaning that he'll likely have a seat in the dugout when the Reds are facing a lefty.

Bleday still has minor-league options and is under team control through 2028. While the Reds could (and probably should) still try to add another high-upside bat to the roster, it's unlikely to be Robert — even if the White Sox paid down half of his $20 million salary. Chicago is said to be seeking young pitching in return for the former All-Star, and Cincinnati continues to put a high value on their surplus of talented arms.