It’s hardly shocking that Connor Joe, brought in midseason by the Cincinnati Reds, has decided to test free agency. His brief stint in Cincinnati is unlikely to leave fond memories for either him or the fanbase. Still, his underwhelming performance and quick exit highlight the risks of short-term roster fixes.
The Reds acquired Joe in early May after Tyler Callihan’s devastating season-ending injury. Though Joe had once been a dependable fourth outfielder and occasional first baseman, his career had been trending downward, with most of his early season spent at Triple-A in the Padres’ system.
Sometimes a change of scenery can rejuvenate a player, but for a veteran journeyman like Joe, mid-career revivals are rare. The Reds weren’t asking him to be a star—just competent.
Reds utility player Connor Joe jumped at the chance at free agency, surprising no one
Unfortunately for Joe, his stint in Cincinnati was anything but fine. In fact, he hurt the Reds more than he helped. Over 35 games, he put up a weak .213/.286/.279 slash line, with a -7 batting run value, -2 baserunning run value, and -2 fielding run value—meaning he was a net negative in every facet of the game.
To be fair, not all of it was within his control. Joe showed good discipline at the plate, rarely chasing pitches, and often made solid contact. His expected slugging percentage (.334) far outpaced his actual mark (.243). Still, despite his patience, he posted the lowest walk rate of his career, which compounded his struggles.
Even had he matched his expected numbers, his output wouldn’t have been enough to justify playing time on a postseason contender. He shared duties with Garrett Hampson, who himself batted just .143 this year, and when the Reds designated Joe for assignment ahead of September call-ups, no other team claimed him—suggesting the league didn’t view him as a difference-maker down the stretch.
Joe should still land somewhere in 2026, likely on a low-risk deal or even a minor league contract, given his versatility. His perseverance and underdog narrative might endear him to a new fanbase. But for a Reds team intent on building on their 2025 success, it’s clear that Joe is not part of the long-term plan.
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