Oswaldo Cabrera
3B · Age 27 · Bats Switch
Where things stand
The Cincinnati Reds signed Oswaldo Cabrera to a one-year contract worth $1 million plus up to $200,000 in performance bonuses, avoiding arbitration with the utility infielder. Cabrera joined Cincinnati on waivers from the Yankees in September and can play multiple infield and outfield positions, providing roster depth for the 2027 season. The deal includes a remaining option allowing the Reds to send him to Triple-A Louisville if needed.
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Oswaldo Cabrera coverage
Reds avoid arbitration with Oswaldo Cabrera, re-up on 1-year deal for '27
MLB.com RedsCincinnati Reds avoid arbitration with Oswaldo Cabrera
The Cincinnati Reds signed utility infielder Oswaldo Cabrera to a 2027 contract, avoiding arbitration with the switch-hitter. The deal includes a $1 million base salary with up to $200,000 in bonuses, and Cabrera retains one remaining option that allows Cincinnati to send him to Triple-A Louisville if needed. Cabrera joined the Reds on waivers from the Yankees in September 2026 and can play multiple infield and outfield positions.
Red ReporterCincinnati Reds sign Oswaldo Cabrera for the 2027 season
The Cincinnati Reds signed infielder Oswaldo Cabrera to a $1 million deal for 2027, avoiding arbitration with the 27-year-old Venezuelan who was claimed on waivers from the Yankees in September. The contract includes $200,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances. Cabrera has played multiple positions throughout his career and spent most of 2026 in Triple-A, where he hit .288 with 19 home runs in 122 games before finishing the season with four games for Cincinnati.
Redleg NationReds get promising head start on their 2027 roster with Oswaldo Cabrera deal
The Cincinnati Reds signed utility player Oswaldo Cabrera to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration with the former Yankees player who was projected to earn $1.1 million in 2027. Cabrera joined the Reds in September after being claimed off waivers and appeared in seven games, playing four different positions. The signing provides depth for Cincinnati, particularly as insurance given Spencer Steer's recent wrist surgery, and reflects the team's strategy of building out the roster with versatile complementary players ahead of the expected December 1 lockout.
Blog Red MachineReds Avoid Arbitration With Oswaldo Cabrera
The Cincinnati Reds signed utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera to a one-year Major League contract, avoiding salary arbitration with the player. Cabrera was eligible for arbitration for the first time and had a projected salary of $1.1 million. The specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
MLB Trade RumorsRISING: Juan Brito & Hector Rodriguez IGNITE Fresh Optimism Among Reds Fans for 2027
The Cincinnati Reds' disappointing 2026 season has given way to optimism about young prospects like Juan Brito and Hector Rodriguez who could reshape the lineup for 2027. The hosts examine which emerging talents deserve playing time while questioning the futures of underperforming veterans Matt McLain and Ke'Bryan Hayes, and debate how prospects like Oswaldo Cabrera and Carlos Jorge might fit into a crowded roster battle. The episode also explores the team's recent trade deadline moves and considers what fans would realistically pay for a Reds World Series championship.
Locked On RedsMatt McLain's arbitration estimate shouldn't scare the Reds away
Matt McLain is projected to earn $4 million in arbitration for the 2027 season, a $1.7 million raise from his current $2.3 million contract, despite batting .185 with a 67 wRC+ in 2026. The Reds second baseman has struggled over the past two seasons following a shoulder injury that cost him all of 2024, but General Manager Brad Meador indicated the team is working with McLain on his approach at the plate. Rather than non-tendering him, the Reds should retain McLain and let him compete for his job in spring training, as the organization has developed depth at second base with players like Edwin Arroyo, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Spencer Steer available as alternatives.
Blog Red MachineReds season comes to an end with a 5-1 loss to the Blue Jays
The Cincinnati Reds finished their season with a 5-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Max Scherzer pitched seven-plus innings of one-run ball in what may be his final start, but the Blue Jays' early offensive outburst proved decisive, with Brandon Valenzuela's two-run home run in the second inning setting the tone. The Reds managed only seven hits and got one run back through Oswaldo Cabrera and Carlos Jorge, but could not overcome Toronto's four-run third inning. Scherzer received a standing ovation when he was removed in the eighth inning after walking a batter.
Redleg Nation5 Reds players who definitely won't be back and 3 who could surprisingly return in 2027
The Cincinnati Reds face roster decisions heading into 2027, with five players unlikely to return. Pitcher Pierce Johnson's club option won't be exercised after posting negative fWAR and an ERA near 5.00, while Ivan Johnson will be released following the acquisitions of Juan Brito and Oswaldo Cabrera. Michael Toglia failed to capitalize on his call-up and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, while pitchers Zach Maxwell and Connor Phillips both struggled with command issues and are unlikely to survive the offseason cuts. The team could surprisingly bring back starter Brady Singer on a short-term deal below $15 million annually, as they lose Hunter Greene and need rotation depth.
Blog Red MachineReds bullpen blows the lead, lose 6-5 in Toronto
The Cincinnati Reds squandered a 5-2 lead when their bullpen faltered in the seventh inning, allowing the Toronto Blue Jays to score four runs and secure a 6-5 victory. Luis Mey and Pierce Johnson combined to give up the decisive runs, with a two-run double by a Blue Jays batter and an error by Oswaldo Cabrera contributing to the collapse. Elly De La Cruz reached the 30-30 club with a double and stolen base, joining only three other Reds in franchise history to achieve that milestone in a single season.
Redleg NationReds' late-season additions make trading Edwin Arroyo even more probable
Edwin Arroyo struggled in his 2026 major league opportunity with the Reds, batting .223 with a .264 slugging percentage across 50 games despite posting a career-best .891 OPS at Triple-A. The Reds' recent acquisitions of Juan Brito and Oswaldo Cabrera, combined with the presence of Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz, have crowded the middle infield and diminished Arroyo's path to regular playing time. With younger prospects like Leo Balcazar rising through the system, the Reds may look to trade Arroyo during the offseason, potentially using his defensive skills and value as a package piece to acquire bullpen help.
Blog Red MachineBROKEN: Cincinnati Reds BLASTED by Barry Larkin—Change MUST Happen NOW
Barry Larkin and Joey Votto express frustration with the Cincinnati Reds organization, calling for significant changes after another disappointing season. The hosts examine questionable front office decisions including the acquisition of Oswaldo Cabrera and the decision to designate TJ Friedl for assignment, while questioning the team's tendency to prioritize scouting evaluations over actual performance. The episode also discusses overlooked players like Matt McLain and debates whether the Reds' emphasis on versatility over production represents a flawed organizational philosophy that needs to be abandoned.
Locked On RedsYankees castoff Oswaldo Cabrera gives Reds a Ke'Bryan Hayes' insurance policy
The Cincinnati Reds signed utility infielder Oswaldo Cabrera from the Yankees, adding depth and versatility to their roster. The 27-year-old has played every position except catcher and is known for his positive personality, with Yankees media members praising his character. Cabrera missed most of 2024 recovering from a broken ankle suffered in May but performed well at Triple-A Scranton, batting .288 with 19 home runs over 122 games. Reds manager Terry Francona is enthusiastic about Cabrera's makeup and his ability to provide insurance at third base.
Blog Red MachineAfter gruesome injury, Cabrera eager to begin new chapter with Reds
MLB.com RedsChicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds – September 19, 2026
The Reds won Friday's series opener against the Cubs and host Chicago again Saturday at 6:40pm ET at Great American Ball Park. Nick Lodolo starts for Cincinnati with a 5.12 ERA this season, while Matthew Boyd takes the mound for Chicago with a 4.16 ERA. Lodolo has struggled with consistency after dealing with blister issues, while Boyd has pitched significantly better on the road (2.95 ERA) than at home (5.53 ERA) this year. Cincinnati made four roster moves today, optioning TJ Friedl and Julian Aguiar while calling up reliever Zach McCambley and activating Oswaldo Cabrera.
Redleg NationReds quietly signal TJ Friedl’s days are numbered with latest roster move
The Cincinnati Reds optioned left fielder TJ Friedl to Triple-A and activated utility player Oswaldo Cabrera ahead of Saturday's game against the Cubs. Friedl has struggled significantly this season, batting .179 in his first 47 games and .157 since returning to the roster on June 28, primarily serving as a defensive replacement. The Reds also recalled pitcher Zach McCambley and sent pitcher Julian Aguiar back to the minors. Cabrera, acquired off waivers from the Yankees, will have the final week-and-a-half of the season to prove he belongs in Cincinnati's 2027 plans.
Blog Red MachineReds send TJ Friedl to Triple-A among several roster moves
The Cincinnati Reds optioned outfielder TJ Friedl and pitcher Julian Aguiar to Triple-A Louisville while calling up reliever Zach McCambley and utility player Oswaldo Cabrera ahead of their game against Chicago. Friedl has struggled significantly this season, batting .172 with a .510 OPS across 91 games, marking a substantial decline from his previous performance. Aguiar was recalled to pitch multiple innings in Friday's game after the Reds depleted their bullpen, while McCambley returns after a month in the minors where he posted a 3.38 ERA despite walking more batters than he struck out. Both Friedl and Aguiar will likely miss the remainder of the season due to the required time they must spend in the minors and the limited games remaining on Cincinnati's schedule.
Redleg NationReds send TJ Frield to Triple-A among several roster moves
The Cincinnati Reds optioned outfielder TJ Friedl and pitcher Julian Aguiar to Triple-A Louisville while calling up reliever Zach McCambley and utility player Oswaldo Cabrera from the Yankees on waivers. Friedl has struggled significantly this season, batting .172 with a .510 OPS across 91 games, while Aguiar was sent down after pitching three innings in relief the previous night. McCambley has been recalled multiple times this year and most recently pitched a scoreless inning against St. Louis over a month ago. The optioning of Friedl and Aguiar likely ends their seasons, as they must remain in the minors for at least 10 and 15 days respectively, and Cincinnati has only nine games remaining.
Redleg NationReds claim versatile Cabrera off waivers, eye potential role for him in 2027
MLB.com RedsChicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds – September 18, 2026
The Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs tonight at Great American Ball Park for the first game of a three-game series, with first pitch at 6:40pm ET. Chase Burns starts for Cincinnati while Clay Holmes takes the mound for Chicago, with Burns showing a significant split against left-handed hitters who are batting .232 with a .319 on-base percentage compared to right-handed hitters at .189. The Reds made roster moves ahead of the game, claiming utility player Oswaldo Cabrera on waivers and calling up pitcher Julian Aguiar after placing Julian Garcia on the injured list with loose bodies in his elbow.
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