The Cincinnati Reds are bringing back a familiar face for the 2026 season, re-signing utilityman P.J. Higgins to a minor league deal. This marks his third straight year in the Reds organization, a steady presence since he first joined the club ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Higgins, now 32, isn’t a stranger to the big leagues. He broke in with the Chicago Cubs, getting a brief taste of MLB action in 2021 before seeing more extended time in 2022. That year, he appeared in 74 games, slashing .229/.310/.383 while splitting time between catcher and first base-a combination that’s become something of a calling card for him.
Since arriving in Cincinnati’s system, Higgins has spent his time with the Triple-A Louisville Bats, where he’s showcased his versatility and veteran presence. In 2024, he put together a solid season at the plate, appearing in 135 games and hitting .259 with 32 doubles and 11 home runs. The on-base skills and gap power were there, giving the Reds a reliable bat in the middle of the Bats’ lineup.
But 2025 was a different story. Higgins saw a dip in production across the board, finishing the year with a .240/.300/.345 line over 111 games.
He still managed 16 doubles and seven home runs, and interestingly, he struck out significantly less than he had the year before. That improved contact rate, however, didn’t translate into better results-a reminder that fewer strikeouts don’t always mean more production.
Part of that may be explained by his increased workload behind the plate. In 2025, Higgins caught 66 games for Louisville-more than double his total from the previous season, when he donned the gear just 28 times.
That extra wear and tear could’ve taken a toll on his offensive output. Still, he remained a flexible piece for the Bats, also logging 20-plus games at both first and third base in each of the last two seasons.
While Higgins isn’t expected to crack the Reds’ big league roster out of camp-especially with a crowded catcher room that includes Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino, and Ben Rortvedt on the 40-man, plus Will Banfield in Triple-A-he does offer valuable depth. His experience and versatility make him a useful insurance policy, particularly in a long season where injuries can quickly test a team’s depth chart.
And if Higgins can rediscover some of that 2024 form at the plate? He could play his way into a backup role, especially if the Reds need someone who can handle catching duties in a pinch while also providing coverage at the corners. In that scenario, his presence could even open up more opportunities for Stephenson to stay in the lineup on his off days, particularly when Trevino is managing the pitching staff.
For now, Higgins returns to Louisville as a seasoned vet with a toolbox that still holds value. He’s not the flashiest name in the system, but he’s the kind of player organizations appreciate-dependable, versatile, and always ready when called upon.