Zach

Maxwell

Bleday’s option is a little surprising, as it appeared he was on his way to being on the strong side of a platoon in left. It appears this opens a spot Nathaniel Lowe on the bench to open 2026. There’s a very good chance he’ll be the first name up when Cincinnati needs a replacement, but obviously Bleday is nathnot someone who needs to be on fantasy rosters right now. Hinds and Maxwell are just organizatonal depth, even with Hinds’ possessing impressive power.

Luis Mey was sent down Thursday to open up a spot for Maxwell, who will be making his major league debut three years after the Reds drafted him in the sixth round out of Georgia Tech. Maxwell had a 3.17 ERA and a 59/32 K/BB in 49 2/3 innings out of the pen for Louisville. He averages 99 mph with his fastball, but poor control has always been an issue, and it would take some sort of breakthrough there to turn him into a quality late-game reliever.