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Cincinnati Reds: JJ Bleday making most of the opportunity he got in unsettled Reds' outfield
TL;DR
JJ Bleday is seizing his chance in the Cincinnati Reds' outfield, which has seen instability this season. Manager Terry Francona expresses confidence in Bleday as he takes a prominent batting position.
Key points
- Cincinnati Reds' outfield has been unstable this season
- JJ Bleday has recently joined the team
- Terry Francona shows confidence in Bleday
- Bleday is batting second in the order
- His success could stabilize the outfield
Mentioned in this story
Terry Francona
Cincinnati RedsJJ BledayNoelvi MarteRece Hinds
May 10—CHICAGO — For the first month of the season, a starting spot in the Cincinnati Reds' outfield was like a revolving door. Between Noelvi Marte, Rece Hinds and Will Benson, the Reds couldn't find a solution.
Now, Terry Francona believes that JJ Bleday could be a part of the answer.
"I think Bleday is kind of trying to," Francona said. "He has done about as much as you can ask."
Bleday has still only been on the roster for a couple of weeks, but Francona is showing confidence in Bleday as he hits second in the order.
Bleday sticking there would be a significant development.
The hope entering the season was that Marte would lock down a starting spot. He had very encouraging stretches in 2025, showing some All-Star potential. But he really struggled last September, and those struggles carried over into 2026.
Marte struggled finding the right pitches to swing at, and he wasn't productive in MLB. After opening the year as the Reds' right fielder, he was optioned to Triple-A in the middle of April.
Since then, Marte has been hitting at an extremely productive level in Triple-A. But there's more to evaluate that just his counting stats at that level.
"It's more about the process," Reds general manager Brad Meador said. "As we've seen, there's a big gap right now between what's happening in Triple-A and what's happening in the big leagues. We've seen it with a few of our guys. You're hitting breaking balls off the plate, that doesn't work here. It's more than what his numbers look like."
When Marte was first optioned, Hinds received the next opportunity in the Reds' outfield. Hinds really struggled with swinging and missing, and he was also hitless against left-handed pitching.
Hinds was expected to get a significant opportunity, but as he struggled that chance only lasted a couple of weeks.
Bleday was activated following Eugenio Suárez's oblique injury. With good results in the Reds' lineup, Bleday earned one start after another and went from a bench piece to the No. 2 spot in the Reds' lineup.
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Q&A
What challenges has the Cincinnati Reds' outfield faced this season?
The Reds' outfield has struggled with instability, featuring a rotating cast of players like Noelvi Marte, Rece Hinds, and Will Benson.
How has JJ Bleday performed since joining the Cincinnati Reds?
JJ Bleday has made a strong impression in his short time with the team, earning a spot batting second in the order.
What does Terry Francona think about JJ Bleday's contributions?
Manager Terry Francona believes Bleday is doing well and is trying to make the most of his opportunity with the team.
What would it mean for the Reds if JJ Bleday secures a starting position?
If Bleday can maintain his position in the lineup, it would represent a significant development for the Reds' outfield stability.
