Austin Hendrick Elects Free Agency After Reds Stint
Outfielder Austin Hendrick, the Cincinnati Reds’ 2020 first-round pick, elected free agency on November 4 after spending his minor league career with the organization.
Austin Hendrick has elected free agency, ending his time in the Cincinnati Reds’ organization. Cincinnati selected the outfielder 12th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, drafting him from Pennsylvania’s West Allegheny High School.
Hendrick appeared in 627 minor league games for the Reds, batting .211 with an on-base percentage of .293 and a .366 slugging percentage. He hit 84 home runs and drove in 290 runs, while striking out 867 times.
In 2026, he played for Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville, combining to hit .212 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs in 116 games. His numbers were weaker in 58 games at Louisville, where he batted .180 with seven home runs and a .566 OPS.
The 25-year-old has not made his major league debut. His power remains a potential strength, and free agency gives him the opportunity to seek a fresh start with another organization.
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