**DEAL DONE: Former Rays Catcher Signed by Reds After Tough 2024 Season**
In a surprising but strategic move, the **Cincinnati Reds** have inked a deal with **Francisco Mejía**, the former Tampa Bay Rays catcher, after a tumultuous 2024 season that saw the 28-year-old fall short of expectations both offensively and defensively. This deal represents a low-risk, high-reward gamble for the Reds, as they aim to bolster their catching depth and bring a player with Mejía’s potential back to form.
### A Rough Year for Mejía in 2024
Francisco Mejía entered the 2024 MLB season as a well-regarded veteran, having spent several years with the San Diego Padres and later the Tampa Bay Rays. Once a top prospect, Mejía’s career had seen some promising moments, but 2024 was a year to forget. A combination of injuries, inconsistent play, and defensive struggles led to his worst season to date, both in terms of offensive production and defensive metrics.
At the plate, Mejía posted a dismal .207 batting average with only 5 home runs and 28 RBIs in 85 games. His on-base percentage of .264 was among the lowest for qualified catchers in the league. Even worse, his slugging percentage barely cracked .300, and his overall OPS of .557 was a significant drop from his career average of .725.
Defensively, Mejía didn’t fare much better. His once-promising framing skills were noticeably off, and he posted a defensive runs saved (DRS) figure of -7, a steep decline from previous years. His throwing arm, which had shown flashes of excellence, was inconsistent, leading to fewer successful stolen base attempts against him. Moreover, his leadership behind the plate, which had been lauded in past seasons, seemed to take a step back as Tampa Bay struggled to find any consistency from its backstops.
Mejía’s season wasn’t all bad—he showed glimpses of his potential at times—but it was clear that his performance had hit a roadblock. For a team like the Rays, who pride themselves on development and finding efficiency in every player, Mejía’s struggles were a significant disappointment. Despite his ability to work well with pitchers and his strong clubhouse presence, the Rays ultimately decided to part ways with the veteran catcher, sending him into free agency.
### The Reds’ Strategic Acquisition
The Cincinnati Reds, a team in the midst of a rebuilding phase but with an eye on competing in the near future, saw an opportunity to take a calculated risk. After a promising 2023 season, where the Reds saw breakthrough performances from young stars like **Elly De La Cruz** and **Spencer Steer**, the organization was looking to shore up its catching situation. In 2024, the Reds had been rotating several catchers, but none had truly solidified themselves as the long-term solution behind the plate.
Mejía, despite his 2024 struggles, brings a lot of value to a Reds team still looking to build depth and stability. The Reds already have some exciting young pitchers, and Mejía’s previous reputation as a strong game-caller and a solid handler of a pitching staff could be an asset. Moreover, the team hopes that a change of scenery, a new coaching staff, and an opportunity to work with a young, developing roster could allow Mejía to rediscover the form that made him one of the most highly regarded catching prospects in baseball a few years ago.
“Francisco is a proven major league catcher who has handled a variety of pitchers throughout his career,” said Reds General Manager **Nick Krall** in a statement following the signing. “While 2024 was a tough season for him, we believe he has the ability to bounce back. He’s still young, and we’re excited to see what he can bring to our organization, both on the field and in the clubhouse.”
### A Fresh Start and a Path to Redemption
For Mejía, the Reds offer a fresh start. Having spent most of his career in large market teams like San Diego and Tampa Bay, the move to Cincinnati could provide the catcher with the opportunity to rediscover his game away from the pressure of competing in postseason-contending rosters.
The Reds’ pitching staff, while still developing, features some exciting young talent, including **Hunter Greene**, **Nick Lodolo**, and **Andrew Abbott**, all of whom could benefit from the guidance of an experienced catcher like Mejía. His rapport with pitchers could be crucial in helping these young arms reach their full potential.
The move also allows Mejía to potentially revive his offensive production. Despite his tough year, the catcher still has an intriguing skill set. He has flashed solid bat-to-ball skills in the past, with a career .265 batting average and a slightly above-average hard-hit rate. While the Reds’ lineup isn’t stacked with established stars, Mejía will have the opportunity to carve out a role as a reliable contributor in the lower half of the order. If he can regain his power stroke and discipline at the plate, he could prove to be a valuable asset in the lineup.
### What’s Next for Francisco Mejía?
The signing with the Reds is undoubtedly a pivotal moment in Mejía’s career. At just 28 years old, he still has the potential to turn things around and recapture some of the promise he showed earlier in his career. In fact, this might be the perfect time for Mejía to put his career back on track, as the Reds offer a lower-pressure environment and the possibility of more playing time.
For Mejía, the 2024 season will likely serve as a turning point. He must regain his confidence behind the plate, improve his offense, and prove he can be a steady hand for a Reds team that has its sights set on contending in the near future. A successful stint in Cincinnati could reinvigorate his career, and with the Reds’ investment in his talents, Mejía has every incentive to seize this opportunity.
### Conclusion
The Cincinnati Reds’ acquisition of Francisco Mejía after his disappointing 2024 season with the Tampa Bay Rays is a calculated gamble that could pay off in the long run. While Mejía’s recent struggles are undeniable, his upside and potential to regain his form make him a risk worth taking for the Reds. If the catcher can recapture his earlier promise—both offensively and defensively—he could become a key piece in the Reds’ future as they continue to develop their young talent and push toward a competitive window in the coming seasons. This signing represents a fresh start for Mejía, a chance for redemption, and a potential win-win situation for both player and team.
