At first glance, the Cincinnati Reds’ acquisition of Connor Joe from the San Diego Padres on Friday night may have looked like a standard depth move.
But given the state of the Reds’ roster, it’s anything but shallow.
With Austin Hays easing his way back as a designated hitter, Spencer Steer forced into regular first base duties despite a nagging shoulder issue, and Tyler Callihan out with a broken arm, the Reds’ once-deep infield has been hit hard by injuries. Add in the absences of Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Jeimer Candelario, and suddenly the options are thinning fast.
The outfield picture hasn’t exactly solidified either. Players like Blake Dunn, Rece Hinds, Jacob Hurtubise, and Will Benson haven’t quite seized a starting role, leaving more questions than answers.
That’s where Joe steps in. After playing for Triple-A El Paso, he was rerouted to Houston to join the Reds immediately—and not just to sit on the bench. Joe is jumping straight into the starting lineup Saturday night, largely because Jake Fraley, who’s been managing a lingering calf issue, is now headed to the injured list.
It’s a whirlwind scenario that speaks volumes about the Reds’ current roster crunch—and the opportunity Joe now has to make an instant impact.