JJ Bleday already had something to prove after being DFA’d and then non-tendered by the A’s at the end of the 2025 season. Now, the prospect of a position battle with an established player in the Cincinnati Reds’ system has added to the pressure he's facing. In order to displace Will Benson as go-to lefty platoon bat on the depth chart, the newcomer needs to impress this spring.
Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith examined the relationship between Benson and Reds manager Terry Francona, who also worked together in Cleveland. The skipper emphasized Benson’s streaky hitting but stressed his usefulness as a left-handed bat with the ability to play all three positions.