Orioles quietly trade for fallen top prospect Reds gave up on

On the same day that the Baltimore Orioles placed Ryan Mountcastle on the 60-day IL with a toe fracture, the team swung a trade with the Cincinnati Reds to land his potential replacement. The Orioles acquired first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand in exchange for cash considerations.

Given that Mountcastle was already in a reduced role with the Orioles this season, there wasn't an immediate need to replace him on the major league roster. Encarnacion-Strand has two minor-league options remaining and was immediately assigned to Triple-A Norfolk by the Orioles.

The 26-year-old was once one of the Reds' top prospects, flashing prolific power. He made his debut in Cincy during the 2023 season, slashing .270/.328/.477 with 13 home runs and a wRC+ of 113. The expectation was that he would become a fixture in the middle of the Reds' lineup.

Instead, Encarnacion-Strand battled with injuries in 2024 and 2025, appearing in only 65 games across the two seasons. There was also a dramatic reduction in his power that was highlighted by an uptick in strikeouts. He struck out 28.5% of the time in 2024. That number fell to 23.4% last season, but he only had 2 home runs in 137 plate appearances. With the arrival of Eugenio Suárez during the offseason, the Reds were in a spot where the young first baseman became expendable.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand is a worth gamble for the Orioles

Given the recent rash of injuries over the past week, Mountcastle, Tyler O'Neill, and Adley Rutschman landing on the IL, it makes sense that Mike Elias and Co. were looking for additional depth. The Orioles also have Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg working their way back from injuries suffered during spring training. Holliday is currently on a minor-league rehab assignment and should be making his return to the team soon.

Considering all the Orioles had to give up was cash considerations, adding the former Reds slugging prospect is the type of move that you see teams make during the opening weeks of the regular season.

Perhaps the change of scenery is what Encarnacion-Strand needed, and he turns back into being a dude while playing at Norfolk. If it works, the Orioles have a bat they could turn to later in this season, especially if Mountcastle's role becomes one that needs to be replaced.