Reds Could Take a Low-Risk Chance on Ryan Mountcastle
On November 3, the Reds were presented with Ryan Mountcastle as a potential low-cost addition after Baltimore moved on from the first baseman and designated hitter.
On November 3, Cincinnati had a possible option to consider in Ryan Mountcastle, whom Baltimore has let go. The Reds recently allowed Eugenio Suárez and Pierce Johnson to enter free agency, while closer Emilio Pagán turned down a $10 million player option. A potential MLB lockout next month adds to teams’ decisions about their rosters.
Mountcastle has played only 97 games over the past two seasons because of injuries. His 2024 season with Baltimore was stronger: he recorded 2.4 bWAR, an OPS+ of 110 and 30 doubles. His home run production has fallen, however. He hit 55 in his first two full major-league seasons, compared with 38 from 2023 through 2026.
The right-handed hitter has mostly worked as a designated hitter, with some time at first base. He also played left field in the majors, though not since 2021. One possible fit in Cincinnati would be sharing left-field duties with JJ Bleday, potentially giving Mountcastle a chance to regain power at Great American Ball Park.
The Reds have previously used lower-cost players in search of added power, then traded them when the season went poorly. If Mountcastle performs well, Cincinnati could move him at the trade deadline; if the Reds contend in 2027, he could instead help their lineup. The team has also taken chances on players through minor-league contracts and spring-training invitations. Whether Cincinnati can land Mountcastle would depend in part on what it can offer if other clubs pursue him.