Cincinnati Reds in agreement on contract with Chad Pinder: Sources

Utilityman Chad Pinder is in agreement on a contract with the Reds and could be the latest player to breakout in Cincinnati on a low-risk deal.

Free-agent utilityman Chad Pinder and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a minor-league contract, according to a source familiar with the deal.

The Reds had success signing Tyler Naquin in 2021 and Brandon Drury in 2022 to one-year contracts and have similar visions with Pinder. They showed continued interest in Pinder all offseason and viewed him as a strong candidate in the hitters’ friendly Great American Ballpark.

“With Pinder’s hard-hit rates,” one evaluator said, “he could hit 25+ homers in a place like Cincinnati.”

Reds sign Chad Pinder for low-risk breakout potential

Pinder, 30, lost 15 pounds this offseason and is said to be in “outstanding shape” as he has taken reps in center field and shortstop to increase his versatility.

In Cincinnati, he’s in position to get at-bats against left-handed pitchers for TJ Friedl in left field. He could spell Joey Votto at first base and play second or third bases if needed.

In 111 games last season, Pinder hit .236/.263/.385 with 12 home runs and 42 RBI. In seven major-league seasons, he’s hit .242/.294/.417 with 62 home runs and 197 RBI, and played every defensive position besides catcher.