The Cincinnati Reds snuck a small trade through on Monday.
The Tampa Bay Rays announced the deal, that they've received outfielder Ryan Vilade from Cincy for cash considerations.
Vilade is an outfielder who will turn 27 in February. He spent this past season split between the Cardinals and Reds' organizations.
Most of his time was in Triple-A. His numbers at that level between Louisville and Memphis included a.290 average,.889 OPS, 29 doubles, four triples, 17 home runs and 11 steals in 13 attempts.
Vilade only got 13 at bats in the major league level in 2025 and went 1-for-13.
He has also played in the majors in the past for the Tigers and Rockies.
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There's really no reason for the Rays not to make this deal. Their outfield struggled at the dish in 2025, and this is one more possible solution to add to the mix for a low cost.
The Reds have a lot of outfield options heading into 2026 and had no space for Vilade. They also get him off the 40-man roster, which could prove useful for making other maneuvers happen this offseason.
Cincinnati snuck into the final NL playoff spot in 2025 but was quickly bounced by the eventual repeat champion Dodgers.
For the Reds to be better in 2026, they'll need to take a solid step forward. Vilade wasn't a part of those plans, and so they found someone else who might be able to use him.
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