Reds Designate Top Prospect Encarnacion-Strand for Assignment

The move opens up a roster spot as the team looks to bolster its lineup with more stability

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:05pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game or match, with the players and field reduced to abstract geometric shapes and angles, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Reds' decision to part ways with a once-promising prospect reflects the team's need for a fresh start and a new direction at first base.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Reds have designated first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand, once considered a top prospect, for assignment. The decision comes after Encarnacion-Strand struggled to replicate his impressive rookie campaign in 2023, batting just .190 over the first six weeks of the 2024 season before a wrist injury ended his year prematurely. His struggles continued into 2025, leading the team to make this roster move that opens up a spot for catcher P.J. Higgins.

Why it matters

The Reds' decision to designate Encarnacion-Strand for assignment highlights the team's need for stability and depth in the lineup, especially at first base with the looming retirement of franchise icon Joey Votto. The move signals the team's willingness to make tough decisions on young talent that fails to live up to expectations, as they look to reshape the roster and find a new long-term solution at the position.

The details

In 63 games during his rookie season in 2023, Encarnacion-Strand posted a 113 wRC+, suggesting he was poised to be Votto's heir apparent at first base. However, his production plummeted in 2024, as he hit just .190 with a .482 OPS through the first three weeks before a broken wrist ended his season. The struggles continued into 2025, leading the Reds to designate him for assignment and recall catcher P.J. Higgins to provide more stability and depth to the lineup.

  • Encarnacion-Strand posted a 113 wRC+ in 63 games during the 2023 season.
  • In the first six weeks of the 2024 season, Encarnacion-Strand hit just .190 with a .482 OPS.
  • Encarnacion-Strand's 2024 season was cut short by a broken wrist injury.
  • Encarnacion-Strand struggled with a .482 OPS through the first three weeks of the 2025 season.

The players

Christian Encarnacion-Strand

A former top prospect for the Cincinnati Reds who struggled to replicate his impressive rookie campaign in 2023, leading the team to designate him for assignment.

Joey Votto

A legendary first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds who is nearing retirement, leaving a void at the position that the team has been trying to fill.

P.J. Higgins

A catcher who was recalled by the Reds to provide more stability and depth to the lineup after Encarnacion-Strand's struggles.

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What they’re saying

“We must make tough decisions to improve our roster and provide the best chance for success. Christian is a talented player, and we hope he can find his footing elsewhere.”

— David Bell, Manager, Cincinnati Reds

What’s next

The Reds will continue to monitor Encarnacion-Strand's situation and see if he clears waivers, at which point they could attempt to outright him to the minor leagues or release him outright.

The takeaway

The Reds' decision to designate Encarnacion-Strand for assignment highlights the team's focus on building a balanced and stable lineup, even if it means parting ways with a former top prospect who has struggled to live up to expectations. This move could pave the way for the Reds to explore other options at first base, either through free agency, trades, or the development of their minor league system, as they look to find a long-term solution to replace the retiring Joey Votto.