JJ Bleday’s stint with the Athletics has come to an end. The 28-year-old outfielder has signed a free agent deal with the Cincinnati Reds, according to sources cited by FanSided’s Robert Murray on Saturday morning. Bleday, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, spent the last three seasons playing for the Athletics.
During his time in Oakland, Bleday hit 44 home runs and recorded a .723 OPS from 2023 to 2025. After showing great promise in 2024, his performance dipped last year, finishing with a .212 batting average, a .294 on-base percentage, a .404 slugging percentage, a .698 OPS, and 14 home runs. The Athletics designated Bleday for assignment in November, signaling the end of his tenure with the team. Now, he heads to Cincinnati for a new opportunity.
Fan Take: This move gives Bleday a chance to reset and potentially unlock the potential that made him a high draft pick. For baseball fans, it highlights how young talents can find new life with different teams, keeping the sport dynamic and unpredictable.
