The Cincinnati Reds claim Harrison Bader and Hunter Renfroe off waivers. These were two separate transactions to add both outfielders to their roster. Part of the fun of the Reds’ season has been their willingness to play young players, so it remains to be seen how the lineup/playing time will shake out in the wake of these moves. Renfroe is in his eighth year in the majors, playing for five teams. He’s hit at least 26 home runs in five different seasons in his career. He hit a career-high 33 in 2019.
As for Bader, he’s known as a very solid defender. He can help the Reds defensively despite battling injuries earlier this season.
Reds Claim Bader and Renfroe on Waivers
Welcome to Cincinnati, Harrison Bader and Hunter Renfroe‼️ pic.twitter.com/l4Enrpe1WO
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 31, 2023
The Reds have claimed two outfielders on waivers to improve their roster heading into the last stretch of the season. Renfroe, 31, is batting .242 this season, with 19 homers and 56 RBI. He will be one of the newly added players to the Reds roster. He is still owed around $1.98 million from his $11.9 million salary for this season.
Bader, 29, was also claimed by the Reds. He is hitting .240 while homering seven times with 37 RBI. Bader formerly played on NL Central rival the St. Louis Cardinals for six seasons where he won a gold glove. He is owed around $783,000 for the rest of his salary in the 2023 campaign. Traded to the Yankees in August of 2022, where he had a successful postseason with the team hitting five home runs in only nine postseason games.
NL Wild Card Race
The Cincinnati Reds sit six games back from their division leader the Milwaukee Brewers; Although they only sit one game back from the last National League Wild Card spot. They sit in decent shape with a 69-66 record. The Reds are in need of starting pitchers heading into the last part of the season but instead pick up multiple outfielders. They do still have until 11:59 p.m ET to add any remaining wanted players to their 40-man roster.
Bader and Renfroe will now have an opportunity to see the playoffs this season. Both former teams, the Angles and the Yankees, will have to see a miracle to get into the postseason. This gives both players a shot at getting a wild card spot and continuing their season. The Reds are hopeful this will give them the boost they need to clinch that final wild card spot.
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