2026 Transactions: Reds DFA Benson, Cubs Sign Woodford

There was some notable roster movement on the Fourth of July. The Cubs added another pitcher, as ex-Brewer Jake Woodford will now pitch for the team just down the I-41 in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, the Reds DFA’d Will Benson to open up a 40-man roster spot for Hunter Greene.

Reds cut Benson

The Reds designated outfielder Will Benson for assigmnent.

Benson, acquired nearly four years ago by the Reds from Cleveland, spent multiple years with Cincinnati as a platoon hitter against righties. However, the former first-rounder has had his rough patches, despite the power and athleticism.

This season across 111 plate appearances, Benson slashed .188/.310/.333 with three home runs and seven extra-base hits. He also had a 33.3% K%.

Cubs sign Woodford

Former Brewers reliever Jake Woodford signed a Major League deal with the Cubs. With Miluwakee, Benson posted a 6.94 ERA and struck out 20 over 23.1 IP.

In a corresponding move, the Cubs designated Bryse Wilson for assignment.

Contract selections

Jordan Romano is back in the Majors, as the Rockies selected his contract from Triple-A Alburquerque. Romano struck out 10 and allowed three home runs with the Isotopes before his move.

Speaking of the Rockies, former Colorado catcher Brian Serven was selected by the Athletics.

The Dodgers selected catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Alfonzo was in the Minors for a decade, bouncing between the Tigers and Dodgers’ system. He hit .313/.392/.422 over 49 contests with the Comets.

Recalls & options

Tanner Banks (Phillies), Hunter Stratton (Pirates), Brendan Beck (Yankees), Spencer Bivens (Giants), Craig Yoho (Brewers), Sean Sullivan (Rockies), Zach Dezenzo (Astros), JR Ritchie (Braves), and Jose Cuas (Royals) were recalled.

Chase Petty (Reds), Darell Hernaiz (Athletics), Jake Meyers (Astros), Chuckie Robinson (Dodgers), Anthony Molina (Braves), Spencer Jones (Yankees), Joey Loperfido (Astros), and Joey Meneses (Athletics) were optioned to the Minors.

Other notes

The Nationals claimed pitcher Matt Krook off waivers from the A’s.

Philadelphia traded 23-year-old Minor League reliever Ryan Degges to the Guardians for international slot money.

Rowdy Tellez (Braves), Geoff Hartlieb (Athletics), and Dom Keegan (Orioles) were outrighted to the Minors.