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Goodyear Village Today
By the People, for the People
Reds Veteran Wins Final Roster Spot Over Former First-Round Pick
Nathaniel Lowe makes Cincinnati's Opening Day roster, while JJ Bleday heads to Triple-A Louisville
Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:52pm
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The Cincinnati Reds made their final roster cuts on Saturday, adding veteran non-roster invitee Nathaniel Lowe to the 40-man roster and informing him he would make the Opening Day roster. In a corresponding move, the Reds sent outfielder JJ Bleday, a former first-round draft pick, to Triple-A Louisville.
Why it matters
This was Cincinnati's most intriguing position battle in quite some time, with several players impressing offensively this spring. The decision to keep Lowe likely came down to the fact that he had an opt-out in his contract and would have been able to sign with another team if he didn't make the roster.
The details
While the Reds think highly of Bleday, who they signed in the offseason to a one-year deal, he still has minor league options remaining, which made the decision easier. The Reds also optioned Rece Hinds and Zach Maxwell to Triple-A. Lowe brings a veteran presence to the 2026 squad and is expected to split time between first base and designated hitter.
- The Reds made their final roster cuts on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
- Lowe had 42 plate appearances in 15 Spring Training games, hitting .270 with an OPS of .979.
The players
Nathaniel Lowe
A veteran non-roster invitee who has made the Cincinnati Reds' Opening Day roster.
JJ Bleday
A former first-round draft pick who was sent to Triple-A Louisville by the Cincinnati Reds.
Will Benson
An outfielder who impressed offensively this spring for the Cincinnati Reds.
Rece Hinds
A player who was optioned to Triple-A by the Cincinnati Reds.
Zach Maxwell
A player who was optioned to Triple-A by the Cincinnati Reds.
What’s next
If the former first-round draft pick JJ Bleday can continue to build on his Spring Training success in Triple-A Louisville, there is no doubt we will see him in Cincinnati at some point during the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The Reds' decision to keep veteran Nathaniel Lowe over former first-round pick JJ Bleday highlights the team's improved depth, which could prove valuable as the 2026 season unfolds.
