Cincinnati Reds Claim Pair of Outfielders as Stretch Run Nears

As the Cincinnati Reds push for the playoffs for the first time since 2020, they are making significant moves to help their outfield.

The team claimed both Harrison Bader (NYY) and Hunter Renfroe (LAA) off waivers on Thursday. Both players were put on waivers earlier this week in cost-saving measures from their previous teams.

Jon Heyman, veteran MLB reporter, had the moves on social media:

Reds claim Hunter Renfroe
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 31, 2023

Reds claim Harrison Bader
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 31, 2023

Part of the fun of the Reds' season has been their willingness to play young players, so it remains to be seen how the lineup/playing time will shake out in the wake of these moves.

The 31-year-old Renfroe is in his eighth year in the big leagues with the Padres, Rays, Red Sox, Brewers and Angels. He's hitting .242 this year with 19 home runs and 56 RBI.

A known power-hitter, he's hit at least 26 home runs in five different seasons in his career. He hit a career-high 33 in 2019 for the Padres.

As for Bader, the 29-year-old is known as a very solid defender. He can help the Reds defensively but is also hitting .240 this season with seven homers and 37 RBI. He's battled injury but has still stolen 17 bases.

He's in his seventh big league season with the Cardinals and Yankees.

The Reds are off on Thursday but will begin a new series on Friday with the Chicago Cubs. It's a critical series that sees the two teams play a doubleheader on Friday. The Reds trail the Cubs by three games in the standings, with the Cubs holding the second wild card spot and the Reds being one game out of the final spot.

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