Josh Harrison signs with the Cincinnati Reds.
Josh Harrison, a seasoned MLB player, has inked a minor league agreement with the Cincinnati Reds, officially confirmed by the club on Tuesday. The deal includes an invite to the Reds’ major league spring training, with potential earnings reaching $1.5 million if he secures a spot on the team. Notably, Harrison holds the option to opt out of the deal by March 21st, as per Mark Sheldon’s report on Reds.com.
Hailing from Cincinnati, Harrison has deep roots in the city, having attended Princeton High School and the University of Cincinnati. He was drafted in 2008 by the Chicago Cubs but now reunites with his older brother Vince, who manages the Reds’ High-A affiliate, the Dayton Dragons.
With a career spanning over 13 seasons, Harrison enjoyed his prime years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, earning All-Star nods in 2014 and 2017. Subsequently, he ventured through various teams including the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Although Harrison’s offensive performance dipped in the 2023 season, batting a mere .204 with limited walks and slugging, his versatility defensively remains a notable asset. He has showcased proficiency across multiple positions on the field, except for catcher, center field, and first base, and even made appearances as a pitcher in five games.
For Harrison to secure a spot on the Reds’ roster, he’ll need to improve upon his 2023 offensive showing. Yet, if he can deliver, he could bolster the team’s bench strength, offering flexibility across positions and contributing valuable experience to fulfill various roles.
The inclusion of an opt-out clause allows Harrison to assess his spring training performance before committing further. With the option available until March 21st, it provides him with an opportunity to potentially explore other avenues if necessary. Despite this, his presence during spring training offers the Reds additional depth and flexibility heading into the upcoming season, with crucial games remaining before the opening fixture against the Nationals.
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