The Cincinnati Reds are one of the up-and-coming forces in the National League.
They have a collection of young position players that give them a high ceiling: Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Jonathan India, Tyler Stephenson, Noelvi Marte, Will Benson, TJ Friedl, and several more have taken the league by storm in recent seasons, most notably 2023.
They also have talented pitchers like Andrew Abbott, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and recent signings Nick Martinez and Frankie Montas.
They figured they could use a utilityman, so they decided to take a cheap chance on a former two-time All-Star: Josh Harrison.
“Welcome Home, Josh Harrison! MSM is excited to announce that client, Josh Harrison, has signed a NRI contract with the Cincinnati Reds! A career .270 hitter in over 4,300 MLB PA across 13 seasons and 2 career All Star Games, Josh is expected to play a versatile role across the field and could provide veteran leadership to a young Reds team!” MSM agency tweeted.
Welcome Home, Josh Harrison!
MSM is excited to announce that client, Josh Harrison, has signed a NRI contract with the Cincinnati Reds!
A career .270 hitter in over 4,300 MLB PA across 13 seasons and 2 career All Star Games, Josh is expected to play a versatile role across the… pic.twitter.com/5iKbsDv6Vr
Josh Harrison had his best seasons with a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform on in the early-to-mid 2010s, then had stints with multiple MLB teams.
He knows his way around an MLB clubhouse, he can cover multiple positions, and he has experience and the willingness to earn his spot, given that it is a minor league deal with an invitation for spring training,
The things working against him are his age – he will turn 37 in July – and recent performance.
In 2023 with the Philadelphia Phillies, Harrison hit a meager .204/.263/.291 in 41 games and 114 plate appearances.
If he wins a spot on the Reds’ young roster, he could be a source of wisdom and advice for a young, talented group.