Reds Adjust 40-Man Roster, Designate Keegan Thompson After Signing JJ Bleday

The Cincinnati Reds finalized a roster adjustment on Saturday as part of their latest offseason additions, keeping the 40-man roster compliant with league rules. The move came immediately after the team signed outfielder JJ Bleday to a one-year major league contract.

To make room for Bleday, the Reds designated right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson for assignment and placed him on waivers. The decision was largely procedural, reflecting roster limits rather than a sudden change in evaluation of Thompson’s abilities.

Thompson, who joined the organization on a split contract in early November, is out of minor league options. This status eliminated the possibility of sending him to Triple-A Louisville, leaving the Reds with limited flexibility once Bleday’s major league deal was added to the roster.

The team confirmed the transaction via its official X account, noting the addition of Bleday and the corresponding roster move. The adjustment illustrates the ongoing roster management decisions teams face during the offseason as they prepare for spring training.

1. Keegan Thompson’s Recent Performance

Keegan Thompson has not pitched in the major leagues since 2024, when he was with the Chicago Cubs. In 2025, he spent the season entirely at Triple-A Iowa, where he showed improvements in command and efficiency. Thompson lowered his walk rate and proved effective as a multi-inning relief option at the minor league level. However, despite these improvements, a return to the major league roster did not materialize for the right-hander. While the designation is a setback for Thompson, it is also a reflection of the challenges teams face in balancing pitching depth with roster space. Opportunities for fringe arms are often limited when organizations make targeted acquisitions at other positions. For Thompson, the move opens the possibility of being claimed by another team or returning to Cincinnati if he clears waivers, underscoring the fluid nature of offseason roster construction.

2. Bleday Addition Signals Offensive Priorities

JJ Bleday’s signing highlights Cincinnati’s focus on strengthening outfield depth and adding positional versatility. The former first-round pick provides left-handed balance and flexibility, attributes the Reds value as they continue shaping the roster ahead of 2026. Adding Bleday demonstrates the team’s willingness to sacrifice marginal bullpen depth to bolster offensive options. While Thompson offered potential as a multi-inning reliever, Bleday’s presence addresses a more pressing positional need in the outfield. The move also emphasizes the constraints of the 40-man roster. Even minor adjustments require careful planning, as every addition or subtraction affects flexibility across pitching and position player depth. For the Reds, the transaction reflects ongoing decision-making during the offseason. With spring training months away, the team maintains the ability to explore additional pitching depth while solidifying their outfield mix.

3. Balancing Roster and Strategy

This roster adjustment underscores the constant balancing act teams face in the offseason. One addition often necessitates another move, forcing front offices to weigh potential upside against positional priorities. The Reds’ decision to prioritize Bleday over Thompson illustrates how clubs target upgrades in areas of immediate need while managing risk elsewhere. Flexibility remains a key factor as they continue evaluating internal options and external targets. By making proactive roster moves, Cincinnati signals its intent to enter 2026 with a more versatile and balanced lineup. The addition of Bleday complements other offseason acquisitions and strengthens the team’s depth in a key position. Overall, the move is part of a broader strategy of continuous evaluation and adjustment, as the Reds navigate the challenges of building a competitive roster while remaining within league-mandated limits.