Reds claim Bader off waivers from Yankees, Renfroe from Angels

The Cincinnati Reds claimed outfielder Harrison Bader off waivers from the New York Yankees and outfielder Hunter Renfroe off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels, the club announced Thursday.

The Reds designated outfielders Alejo Lopez and Michael Siani for assignment in corresponding roster moves.

Cincinnati entered play Thursday one game out of a wild-card spot in the National League.

Renfroe will look to provide the Reds with an infusion of power. The Reds are 18th in MLB in home runs (154) and 16th in OPS (.733).

Cincinnati’s current outfield trio is comprised of TJ Friedl, Will Benson, and Nick Senzel. Breakout star Jake Fraley is currently on the injured list with a toe ailment.

Bader is one of baseball’s better defensive outfielders. The 29-year-old ranks in the 95th percentile in outs above average, 89th percentile in outfielder jump, and 92nd percentile in arm strength, according to Baseball Savant. He posted a .643 OPS with seven home runs, 37 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases in 84 games for the Yankees this season.

Bader said Thursday that he’s excited to join the Reds’ push for a postseason spot but also reflected fondly on his time with the Yankees.

“It just means so much to be a New York City kid playing in the Bronx,” Bader said, according to Erik Boland of Newsday.

He added: “No one can ever take the fact that I put that uniform on growing up in that city, which means a lot to me.”

Renfroe is joining his sixth different team in the last five seasons. The 31-year-old made stops with the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers before joining the Angels this past offseason. He owns a .737 OPS with 19 home runs and 56 RBIs across 126 games this season.

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