The Reds announced Wednesday that they’ve claimed outfielder Peyton Burdick off waivers from the Orioles and optioned him to Triple-A Louisville. Left-hander Alex Young was transferred to the 60-day injured list to open a spot on the 40-man roster.
Cincinnati — or rather, Louisville for now — marks the latest stop in an eventful year for the increasingly well-traveled Burdick. The Marlins originally designated him for assignment back in February and traded him to the Orioles for cash. Baltimore subsequently designated Burdick themselves, losing him to the White Sox via waivers. When Chicago designated Burdick yet again, the O’s re-claimed him. He’ll now join a Reds organization that has been without center fielder TJ Friedl since spring training due to a broken wrist.
Miami selected Burdick with the No. 82 overall pick back in 2019, and he posted huge numbers up through the Double-A level as he climbed the ranks in their system. His bat has stalled out in Triple-A and the big leagues, but Burdick’s blend of easy right-handed pop, speed and an ability to play all three outfield positions still make him an intriguing depth pickup for the Reds at a time when bench outfielders like Stuart Fairchild and Bubba Thompson have failed to produce. Cincinnati’s bench, in general, has been a weak spot; utility infielder Santiago Espinal and backup catcher Luke Maile have both been well below-average at the plate as well.
Burdick is just a .200/.281/.368 hitter with a huge 38% strikeout rate in the majors, although that comes with a notable small-sample caveat, as he’s tallied just 139 plate appearances. He’s hit for a low average but shown power and plate discipline in the upper minors, slashing .212/.324/.426 in 1021 Triple-A plate appearances. Burdick has gone down on strikes in 33.2% of his Triple-A plate appearances as well, but scouting reports have long been enamored of his plus-plus power and above-average speed. He batted .182/.333/.455 in 69 plate appearances with the Orioles’ Triple-A club in 2024.
Not too subtle notice for Thompson and Fairchild.
More like Thompson and Martini
Fairchild has done just fine this year compared to the past. Maybe watch recent games instead of reading last year’s stats?
Fairchild at .216 and zero HR is not considered just fine. I’m watching games.
The whole team is slumping because they are facing good pitching on the out-payrolled tour. Benson, India, CES, Candelario are all inder the Mendoza line. None of them are going anywhere either.
I am paying attention, not just looking at stats. No one is replacing Friedl, so Bell has to make do with what the inept front office gives them.
Fairchild is a guy who usually just faces lefties and is miles ahead of Bubba Thompson, who is just a glorified pinch runner. Martini, outside a few moments, is a guy who barely made the roster. Those are your choices. Unless you bring up someone from AA or who has barely played above AA, it is what it is.
Which brings us back to my point. Burdick is another option to try if Fairchild or Thompson fail to contribute. I’m not saying it’s the answer to all our issues but if circumstances dictate our fifth outfielder gets substantial playing time they need to step up and contribute something. Right now it’s not the case.
“His bat stalled out in Triple-A and the big leagues.”
Yeah, he’s the answer, all right.
Didn’t say he was the answer. If you engage in a conversation pay attention.
You implied he was, or at least more so than two of the options. See, I am paying attention.
I’d rather have a certainty than a maybe, especially as we were sold they would be a contending team. That should have been addressed in the offseason like so many other things. The roster that was put together for 90 million suggests other than a contender. They won’t spend 200 plus under the current fouled up system ever, but they have laid out 130 before.
Those who worship at the altar will never admit this, however, but people who have been around a while know the score with this front office.
Again, didn’t say or imply Burdick was ANY sort of answer. The author of the article stated Fairchild and Thompson have not produced this season and Burdick signing was a result of that. I was referring to it being a wake up call to them. I’m done with this because it’s clear you only want to argue inane points. Put down the phone and look outside as I’m sure there are kids to chase out of your yard. Also, write a detailed letter to the front office detailing your vast knowledge of roster building on a small market team. I am sure they will be impressed as the rest of us are.
When people resort to name calling rather than discussion, it is obvious they have nothing to really say and deserve a mute button. Just like certain politicans, but that is what they have spawned in impressionable young people. Enjoy talking to yourself.
We’ ll see if this was a good pickup, Reds should go after Trevor Bauer, everyone deserves a second chance, no team wants him but he’s young with a lot left to give, he would catapult the pitching staff into a better position with central opponents, he knows this division and National league, he’ll come cheap with great benefits
This BS again. First, this is an outfielder.. not a pitcher. Besides, NO team is going to sign Trevor Bauer.
Ah, we can agree on this. Trevor Bauer has no place in a Reds’ (or any other MLB) uniform – the man is pond scum.
I think nearly every thread includes some rambling junk about Bauer and how he deserves a 2nd chance and that he didn’t do anything. MLB clubs are for-profit, if they felt as if he could help them more than hurt them, he’d already be signed.
Move on, just ignore the posts that have nothing to do with Payton Burdick.
Yeah they’re obviously too concerned about the backlash/character issues: trusting Bauer to be quiet is impossible. Though I think he’d be an absolute asset to most MLB teams on the field.
Nothing like judging a person you dont know in the internet comments.
@earmbrister So you know him personally?
@BrianStrowman9 What character issues? He’s an innocent man.
Especially Cincinnati where bridges were torpedoed and baggage left just like his other stops.
Another local kid
Reminds me of Joey Gallo
He has interesting, if not intriguing stat lines in the minors. The guy clearly has a little pop, at least more than what they’re rolling out there now. If nothing else it’ll be a feel good story and he can sport a Reds uni in front of his family and friends while he’s called up for a few days
Alex Young was going on the 60 day IL anyway, so it’s no big deal.
Peyton has 2 options so the Reds can take some time to try to reduce the big holes in his swing. Has some power, a little speed and can play the outfield. I still like Capel as the Reds 5th outfielder.
Can we cut Candelario?