Reds Trade for Connor Joe in Move with Padres

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cincinnati Reds have traded for outfielder Connor Joe from the San Diego Padres, the teams announced Friday. In exchange, the Reds sent minor league pitcher Andrew Moore and cash considerations to the Padres. This move to bolster their roster comes as the Reds transferred outfielder Tyler Callihan to the 60-day injured list to make room for Joe on the 40-man roster.

Joe, a 32-year-old San Diego native, signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Padres during the offseason. He was expected to contribute as a right-handed option in left field but struggled to find a place on the roster after starting the season in Triple-A El Paso. After a brief call-up in mid-April where he went hitless in nine at-bats, he was again optioned back down.

During his career, Joe has played in 445 big league games, with his most productive season coming in 2021 while with the Colorado Rockies, where he achieved an .848 OPS. This season, however, he recorded a .000 batting average with a single walk and six strikeouts in his limited appearances with the Padres.

In Moore’s case, the 25-year-old right-handed pitcher has not yet debuted in the majors. He has a 4.15 ERA at Double-A Chattanooga this season and was originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2021 before being acquired by the Reds in the Luis Castillo trade last year.

As the Reds look to strengthen their outfield options against left-handed pitchers, Joe may now step in to also support other players like Jake Fraley and newly promoted Will Benson. With two options remaining, Joe’s future in Cincinnati will depend on his performance as he aims to contribute positively for the remainder of the season.