Reds kept JJ Bleday at the deadline and the payoff remains uncertain

The Cincinnati Reds retained outfielder JJ Bleday at the trade deadline despite his value peaking earlier in the season. Bleday started strong with a 1.003 OPS through 33 games but declined significantly afterward, finishing with a .740 OPS and 103 wRC+ through 122 games. While passing on trading him at his peak may have been a missed opportunity, he remains a capable power hitter against right-handed pitching and is under team control through 2028, providing value to a thin outfield.

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