The Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins just wrapped up a roster shuffle that might fly under the radar but could really matter for both teams’ outfields in 2025 and beyond.
Cincinnati grabbed versatile outfielder Dane Myers in exchange for prospect Ethan O’Donnell. They also designated right-hander Lyon Richardson for assignment to clear a 40-man spot.
For Miami, this move brings in a young, on-base profile bat and opens up the roster space needed to make reliever Pete Fairbanks’ signing official.
Reds Land Dane Myers as Low-Cost Defensive Upgrade
The main piece here for Cincinnati is Dane Myers, a late-blooming outfielder who took a winding road to the majors. He used to pitch, then switched to the outfield, and now at 29, he’s found a niche as a defender who can handle center and bring some speed.
Myers’ Unusual Journey and Offensive Profile
Myers moved from the mound to the outfield early in his career and finally broke through with the Marlins in 2023. Since then, he’s played in 172 MLB games between 2023 and 2025, racking up 511 plate appearances and hitting .245/.299/.354.
That’s not exactly thrilling at the plate. He’s more of a role player than a regular lineup fixture, and injuries have slowed him down at times.
Still, the Reds clearly see something in his recent trends and think he can help them win in the margins.
2025: Better Contact, More Speed, Less Power
This past season, Myers made some progress in key areas but lost ground in others. On the plus side, he:
- Cut his strikeout rate to 23.1%, showing better contact
- Stole 18 bases, which highlights his athleticism
But his power dipped, dropping his overall production to a 72 wRC+, which is about 28% below league average for hitters after adjusting for park and league.
Defensive Metrics Support the Reds’ Bet
Defense is where Myers really stood out in 2025. Playing mostly in center, he posted:
- 3 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS)
- 2 Outs Above Average (OAA)
He’s also got a strong arm and better-than-average range. For a Reds team that’s had trouble turning balls in play into outs up the middle, that matters a lot.
How Myers Fits the Reds’ Crowded Outfield Picture
The Reds don’t need Myers to be a star. They need a specialist. Their outfield has plenty of bats, not much pure center-field defense, and is pretty left-handed in the corners.
Myers fits as a targeted, situational piece.
Platoon Potential Behind TJ Friedl
Center fielder TJ Friedl isn’t going anywhere—his bat keeps him in the lineup even though the defensive numbers aren’t great. Myers gives the manager some flexibility for late-game situations and defensive swaps.
Even better, Myers’ splits show he can be a platoon weapon against lefties. In limited action versus southpaws, he posted a 119 wRC+, so he’s 19% better than league average in those matchups. That makes him a logical fit with the Reds’ lefty-heavy corners and a handy option when the matchup calls for it.
Marlins Add Ethan O’Donnell and Clear Room for Pete Fairbanks
For Miami, this deal is as much about shaping the roster as it is about talent. The Marlins get a younger, controllable outfielder and open up a 40-man roster spot for a bullpen upgrade.
O’Donnell’s Profile: On-Base Skills, Modest Impact
Ethan O’Donnell, 23, spent 2025 at Double-A Chattanooga. He hit .236/.327/.325, which shows he’s got an eye at the plate but hasn’t really tapped into much power yet.
On the plus side:
- Good plate discipline and on-base skills
- Youth and room to develop
The real question is whether Miami’s player development can help him unlock more damage on contact—maybe with swing tweaks, strength training, or picking better pitches to drive.
Fairbanks, the 40-Man, and Miami’s Roster Strategy
The Marlins needed a way to open a 40-man roster spot so they could finalize reliever Pete Fairbanks. Moving Myers—an older, sometimes-injured player with a limited bat—for a younger, optionable prospect does that, while keeping outfield depth in the system.
Lyon Richardson Designated for Assignment
On the edge of the deal, the Reds also designated right-hander Lyon Richardson for assignment to make room for Myers on the 40-man roster.
What Went Wrong for Richardson in Cincinnati
Richardson, once a second-round pick with real promise, just hasn’t missed enough bats at the big-league level. Over 55 MLB innings, he’s posted a 6.05 ERA.
He’s struggled to finish hitters and work through lineups more than once. With no minor league options left, the Reds lost any flexibility with him.
Now he’s heading to waivers. Maybe some pitching-hungry club takes a chance on his arm talent, but it’s hard to see him back in Cincinnati anytime soon.
Here is the source article for this story: Reds Acquire Dane Myers
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