Josh Harrison has inked a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, with the team officially announcing the deal on Tuesday afternoon. As part of the agreement, Harrison receives an invitation to participate in big league spring training with the Reds.
Mark Sheldon of Reds.com disclosed that the contract could potentially yield $1,500,000 if Harrison secures a spot on the team. Additionally, it was reported that Harrison retains an opt-out option effective on March 21st.
A native of Cincinnati, Harrison has strong ties to the area, having grown up in the city and attended Princeton High School as well as the University of Cincinnati before being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 6th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Notably, he joins his older brother Vince Harrison, who currently manages the Reds’ High-A affiliate, the Dayton Dragons.
With 13 seasons of Major League Baseball experience under his belt, Harrison spent the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2011 to 2018, earning two All-Star selections during his tenure (in 2014 and 2017). Subsequently, he embarked on a journey across multiple teams, including the Detroit Tigers (2019), Washington Nationals (2020-2021), Oakland Athletics (2021), Chicago White Sox (2022), and Philadelphia Phillies (2023).
While his performance from 2019 to 2022 remained solid but not exceptional, with a batting line of .258/.319/.374 across 326 games, Harrison encountered a challenging 2023 season. His stint with the Phillies saw him participate in only 40 games, during which he struggled at the plate, batting just .204 with a .263 on-base percentage and .291 slugging percentage. His .554 OPS and 53 OPS+ were notably lower than his career averages of .712 OPS and 95 OPS+.
Despite offensive struggles, Harrison’s defensive versatility remains a valuable asset. Over the past two seasons, he has showcased his ability to play multiple positions on the field, with the exception of catcher, center field, and first base. Additionally, he has even made appearances as a pitcher in five games.
To secure a roster spot, Harrison will need to improve his offensive output compared to last season. However, if he can accomplish this, he could provide valuable bench depth for the Reds, offering flexibility across various positions while bringing a wealth of experience to the team.
With an opt-out clause set for March 21st, Harrison’s spring training journey will extend beyond its conclusion, allowing him the opportunity to showcase his abilities over additional games before the Reds’ regular season opener against the Nationals in Cincinnati.
