JJ Bleday Becomes Eighth Reds Player Ever to Accomplish Rare Feat

What a game!

Aug 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday (22) points to the dugout after an RBI double against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Reds outfielder JJ Bleday did something only one Reds player had done since 1989: hit for the cycle. Elly De La Cruz hit for the cycle during his rookie season in 2023 and the last cycle prior was in 1989 by Eric Davis.

Bleday Hits for the Cycle

Aug 17, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday (22) hits a single in the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bleday started the game off by hitting for a double in the top of the first inning. It was an RBI double that scored De La Cruz, who hit a double to lead off the ballgame. In the third, Bleday hit an RBI triple to score Sal Stewart from first. His only hit without an RBI came in the fourth when he singled to right field. The Reds' third base coach Willie Harris held De La Cruz at third.

Bleday completed the cycle in the sixth inning when he launched his 21st home run of the season out of the ballpark just over the right-field wall. Bleday's 21st home run sets a career high for home runs in a season for the 28-year-old.

The Reds signed Bleday over the offseason and the Reds were excited to bring him in. Reds' president of baseball operations Nick Krall had high expectations for what he could do for the offense.

"Two years ago, you looked at what he was. I think he was a three-WAR player." Krall said. "He obviously got non-tendered, and we saw an opportunity to bring in a guy that has a chance to compete for a spot. In limited action, he had 17 doubles and 14 home runs last year and adds a little bit of left-handed power to your club. He can play in different situations. I’m just really excited to add him and a veteran presence that knows how to play the game."

Bleday won National League Player of the Month for the month of May earlier this season. He began the season in Triple-A, where he slashed .341/.462/.659 with six home runs, seven doubles, a triple and 19 RBI. He was recalled on April 25 and continued his hot start to the season that he showcased in the minor leagues. In May, he slashed .301/.387/.631 with eight home runs, eight doubles and 25 RBI. This was the first Player of the Month Award of his career and the first by a Red since Joey Votto won the award in 2021.

It's the first time a Reds player has had a cycle on the road since 1915.

It’s also worth noting that, at the time of publication, Elly De La Cruz is just a triple shy of joining Bleday in hitting for the cycle. There have never been two players to hit for the cycle in the same game in MLB history.