Mike Moustakas, who signed the largest free agent contract in Cincinnati Reds history, was designated for assignment Thursday with one year and $22 million remaining in his contract Thursday.
The Reds needed to create a roster spot on the 40-man roster after signing catcher Curt Casali to a one-year contract with a mutual option for the 2024 season. The Reds tried to trade Moustakas for more than a year to shed his guaranteed salary, but didn't find any takers before designating him for assignment. Following Thursday's move, the Reds have a week to trade him, which is unlikely when he's owed $22 million, or release him.