MLB Trade Rumors

Left-hander Brandon Leibrandt cleared outright waivers and elected free agency, according to his transaction log at MLB.com. Cincinnati had designated him for assignment on Monday as one of the corresponding moves to reinstate Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Matt McLain from the injured list. The Reds also designated Amed Rosario on Monday; there’s no formal resolution on his … [Read more...] about Brandon Leibrandt Elects Free Agency

Former All-Star pitcher Joey Jay passed away last month at age 89, according to an obituary from a Florida funeral home. A 6’4″ right-hander, he pitched 13 seasons in the big leagues. A native of Middletown, Connecticut, Jay signed with the Milwaukee Braves for a $20K bonus in 1953. Under the so-called “bonus baby” rules of the time, a player who signed for more than $4K could … [Read more...] about Joey Jay Passes Away

The Reds announced that infielders Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Matt McLain have been reinstated from the 60-day injured list. To open 40-man roster spots for those two, they designated left-hander Brandon Leibrandt and infielder Amed Rosario for assignment. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer relays on X that the moves were necessary because McLain and … [Read more...] about Reds Designate Brandon Leibrandt, Amed Rosario For Assignment

The Reds announced today that Chris Valaika has been hired as director of hitting and major league hitting coach. He had previously been with the Guardians as that club’s hitting coach but will now move to the other side of Ohio. Valaika, 39, was originally a third-round draft pick of the Reds back in 2006. He played in the majors from 2010 to 2014, for the Reds, Marlins and … [Read more...] about Reds Hire Chris Valaika As Hitting Coach

While the baseball world’s immediate focus is on the upcoming showdown between two behemoths, the offseason looms just after the World Series. One of the first key decisions for teams is whether to issue a qualifying offer to any of their impending free agents. Clubs have until the fifth day after the conclusion of the World Series to make QO decisions. The QO is a one-year … [Read more...] about Previewing Upcoming Qualifying Offer Decisions: Pitchers