Reds sign Naquin to minor-league contract

The Cincinnati Reds signed outfielder Tyler Naquin to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training, the club announced Thursday.

Naquin stays in Ohio after spending the last five seasons with the Cleveland Indians.

The 29-year-old struggled throughout 2020 as he hit .218 in 40 games with Cleveland before he was non-tendered in December.

Naquin posted his best season in 2016 when he slashed .296/.372/.514 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs in 116 games and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. He was drafted 15th overall in 2012.

He'll enter the season as a depth option for the Reds who currently have Nick Castellanos, Shogo Akiyama, Jesse Winker, Aristides Aquino, and Nick Senzel penciled in as the primary outfielders.