MLB

What are Anthony Alford’s prospects during spring training and what is the current state of his contract with the Cincinnati Reds?

Tee Blaze February 13, 2024

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The Cincinnati Reds have inked outfielder Anthony Alford to a minor league deal, omitting a non-roster invitation to the major league spring training.

However, he will participate in the “early minor league camp,” allowing him potential game time with the Reds as a “minor league call-up,” especially in the initial stages of spring. It’s not uncommon for players to receive non-roster invites or call-ups after the spring training commences, provided they perform well in minor league camp.

Alford boasts experience spanning six seasons in Major League Baseball, notably with the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates from 2017 to 2022.

Anthony Alford (Photo: Minda Haas Kuhlmann

During this period, he amassed 240 plate appearances across 102 games, recording a batting line of .209/.275/.368. In 2021, he enjoyed a somewhat regular role with the Pirates, appearing in 49 games and accumulating 148 plate appearances with a .717 OPS.

Initially heralded as a top prospect in the Blue Jays organization, Alford encountered challenges upon reaching Triple-A, although he found his stride at the level in 2021 and 2022, registering a combined .286/.400/.577 line in 270 plate appearances.

Following his impressive performance and limited playing time in Pittsburgh, Alford seized an opportunity to play in the KBO, featuring in the league from part of 2022 through all of 2023. Across 213 KBO games, he posted a .288/.359/.476 batting line, including 50 doubles, 4 triples, and 29 home runs.

Now returning to the United States, the 29-year-old outfielder will join the Reds’ farm system for spring training. Alford brings versatility, having played across all three outfield positions.

While he primarily manned center field, he also boasts significant experience in left field. Although his career saw fewer appearances in right field, his stint in Korea saw him play more in that position than in center, primarily serving as a left fielder for the majority of his starts.