By J.Y. Morimer
The Cincinnati Reds today claimed two key veterans, OF Harrison Bader off waivers from the Yankees and OF Hunter Renfroe off waivers from the Angels. IF/OF Alejo Lopez and OF Michael Siani were designated for assignment.
FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
Bader missed the beginning of the 2023 season due to a left oblique muscle injury that he suffered early in spring training. His first game back was on May 2 against the Cleveland Guardians. He then hit safely in four of five games. He continued his hot streak against the Tampa Bay Rays, which included two home runs, 7 RBIs in 11 plate appearances. He was just a double shy of hitting for the cycle with three hits that included a single, a triple, and a two-run home run. In 84 games for the team in 2023, he batted .240/.278/.365 with 7 home runs, 37 RBI, and 17 stolen bases. On August 29, Bader was placed on waivers by the Yankees.
FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
On November 22, 2022, the Brewers traded Renfroe to the Los Angeles Angels for Janson Junk, Elvis Peguero, and Adam Seminaris. On February 18, 2023, Renfroe won his salary arbitration case against the Angels, making his salary $11.9 million for the season rather than the team offer of $11.25 million. In 126 games for the Angels, he batted .242/.304/.434 with 19 home runs and 56 RBI. On August 29, Renfroe was placed on waivers by the Angels.
