Cincinnati Reds Announce Decision on 27-Year-Old Infielder

The Cincinnati Reds activated versatile infielder Oswaldo Cabrera on Saturday, putting him on the active roster a day after claiming him off waivers from the New York Yankees, via the MLB transaction log.

Cabrera, 27, had been designated for assignment by New York on Sept. 16 to clear a 40-man roster spot for pitcher Clarke Schmidt.

Cincinnati claimed him Friday and transferred Spencer Steer to the 60-day injured list (sprained right wrist) to open a roster spot.

On Saturday, the club added Cabrera to the active roster, sending outfielder TJ Friedl to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move.

The switch-hitting utility player is expected to give the Reds depth across the infield and corner outfield as they close a 72-82 season that is already out of playoff contention.

Manager Terry Francona framed the pickup as more than a late-season patch.

“I think this is a guy we view that can possibly stay here and be on our club next year,” Francona said. “The reports on him have been like off the charts as far as makeup. He’s played seven positions. … It seems like we can’t pass this one up.”

Cabrera spent his entire professional career in the Yankees organization after signing as an amateur out of Venezuela in 2015.

He debuted in 2022 and appeared in 304 games for New York through 2025, hitting .232 with 20 home runs and a .635 OPS while starting at first, second, third, shortstop, left field and right field.

He also appeared in center field and even pitched. A gruesome left ankle fracture and ligament damage on a slide into home in Seattle in May 2025 cost him most of that season.

This year he played only three games for the Yankees (0-for-9) after a June recall. At Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre he hit .288 with 19 home runs, 69 RBIs and a .790 OPS in 122 games.

He still has a minor-league option remaining for 2027 and is under club control through 2028 at a modest arbitration salary after making about $1.2 million this season.

For a Reds club already evaluating pieces for next year, Cabrera’s glove, switch-hitting, and reputation as a high-energy teammate make him a low-cost look at a potential 2027 bench or platoon option.

Whether he starts immediately or works into the mix over the final games, Cincinnati now has a new utility piece who can fill almost any hole on the diamond.