The Reds designated Christian Encarnacion-Strand for assignment in April, and then eventually traded him to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations. Encarnacion-Strand came onto the scene in a big way in 2023 when he slashed .270/.328/.477 with 20 extra-base hits in 63 games for Cincinnati. The Reds acquired the power-hitting infielder from the Twins, along with Spencer Steer, back in 2022 when they traded Tyler Mahle to Minnesota. After his breakout rookie season in 2023, the slugger couldn't stay on the field. He fractured his wrist in 2024 and appeared in just 39 games for the Reds, slashing .190/.220/.293. In 2025, he dealt with injuries and when he was healthy, he split time between the big leagues and Triple-A Louisville. He appeared in 36 games for the Reds last season, slashing .208/.234/.377 with 10 extra-base hits. There was almost no realistic path for Encarnacion-Strand to make the big league roster out of camp this season, but it was surprising to see the Reds let him go for nothing.…