Reds' castoff is thriving with Rays and highlights a key offseason need

Ryan Vilade, a utility player the Cincinnati Reds traded to Tampa Bay for cash in November 2025, has emerged as a key contributor for the Rays during their playoff run, including hitting a go-ahead home run in their ALDS Game 3 victory over the Yankees. The Reds acquired Vilade from St. Louis in June 2025 but left him in Triple-A, blocked by Matt McLain and Noelvi Marte, before dealing him away. With the Rays, Vilade played multiple infield and outfield positions across 96 games and posted a -0.1 wins above average, a performance that could have significantly helped Cincinnati's position players, who contributed a third-worst -10 wins above average in 2026. The move highlights a missed opportunity for the Reds, who struggled at non-pitcher positions despite having Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart.

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