Reds Claim Cabrera Off Waivers, Bolstering Bench Depth

The Cincinnati Reds claimed Oswaldo Cabrera off waivers from the Yankees, adding a versatile 27-year-old who can back up multiple positions and be used at the big league level or in Triple-A. Cincinnati opened a 40-man spot by placing Spencer Steer on the 60-day injured list, recalled Julian Aguiar, and placed Julian Garcia on the 15-day IL with elbow loose bodies. Cabrera, a 2022 MLB veteran with a .233/.291/.352 career line and 81 wRC+, spent much of 2025-26 in the minors after a left ankle fracture, and could be kept near this year’s arbitration-salary level around $1.2 million next year; Garcia is slated for elbow surgery with a hoped-for return in 2027.