The Cincinnati Reds made an outfield addition on Saturday afternoon. While it might not be the seismic type of deal fans were hoping for, in agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.4 million contract with JJ Bleday, the club has all but ensured that there will be ripple effects.
The 28-year-old Bleday is coming off a trying season in which he slashed just .212/.294/.404 and was squeezed out of the Athletics' crowded mix. The arrival of unanimous AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz created a domino effect that sent Tyler Soderstrom from first base to left field, and left no place for Bleday.