Reds keep Oswaldo Cabrera on $1 million deal for 2027

Oswaldo Cabrera and the Cincinnati Reds agreed Thursday to a one-year contract for 2027, avoiding salary arbitration. The deal pays a $1 million base salary, with up to $200,000 more in bonuses tied to plate appearances.

The Reds announced the agreement Thursday afternoon. MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon reported the salary and total bonus opportunity, and the Associated Press reported the individual thresholds.

Cincinnati claimed Cabrera off waivers from the Yankees on September 18. He went 4-for-13 with two doubles in four games for the Reds after going hitless in nine at-bats over three games for New York.

Most of Cabrera’s 2026 season came at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he hit .288 with a .789 OPS, 19 home runs and 69 RBIs in 122 games. The AP reported that his previous one-year contract paid $1.2 million.

Cabrera turns 28 on March 1 and remains under club control through 2028, according to Sheldon. Thursday’s agreement sets his salary for next season.

He gives manager Terry Francona an option at several positions. Cabrera can play third base, shortstop, second base and both corner outfield spots. His 2025 season ended after a left-ankle fracture while sliding into home plate in Seattle.

The Reds still have 11 other arbitration-eligible players this winter, including Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo, MLB.com reported.

Sources

• MLB.com: Reds and Cabrera agree to 2027 contract
• Associated Press: Cabrera’s salary and plate-appearance bonuses

Sources

MLB.com: Reds and Cabrera agree to 2027 contract · Cabrera’s salary and plate-appearance bonuses