CINCINNATI — The offseason for the Cincinnati Reds has commenced with swift action, as the team has already executed a trade and a new signing. On Monday, the Reds traded infielder/outfielder Ryan Vilade to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations. The following day, they announced the signing of right-hander Keegan Thompson to a one-year contract.
Thompson, 30, had been playing with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in 2025 after being removed from their 40-man roster in March. During his time in Triple-A, he posted a record of 6-2 with a 4.50 ERA across 35 appearances, including two starts. A third-round draft pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2017, Thompson has spent his entire professional career with the franchise, accumulating experience in 104 major-league games with 23 starts from 2021 to 2024. Notably, in 2022, he achieved a career-high by pitching 115 innings, finishing the season with a 10-5 record and a 3.76 ERA through 17 starts and 12 relief appearances.
In contrast, Vilade, who was acquired by the Reds as a waiver claim from the St. Louis Cardinals earlier in June, only managed to make a single appearance for Cincinnati. The move to Tampa marks Vilade’s sixth organization since he was drafted in the second round by the Colorado Rockies in 2017, showcasing the shifting landscape of player movement in Major League Baseball.
Entering the offseason, the Reds have five free agents to consider, including outfielder Miguel Andujar and left-hander Wade Miley, along with right-handers Zack Littell, Nick Martinez, and Emilio Pagán. Additionally, right-hander Ian Gibaut and infielder Santiago Espinal opted out of their outright assignments to Triple-A Louisville, paving their way to free agency.
This proactive approach by the Reds signals a commitment to reshaping the roster as they look to improve in the upcoming season, emphasizing both trades and strategic signings to enhance team performance.