the Cincinnati Reds they are acquiring young shortstop Kyle Holder in an exchange with the Phillies, reported well-known journalist Jeff Passen of ESPN (Twitter link). Both teams have officially announced the exchange, and cash considerations are directed in return for the Phillies. The measure will free up space on the 40-man roster in Philadelphia, so the signature of Gregory learned by Phils could soon be officially announced.
The Yankees selected Holder with the No. 30 pick (first round) of the 2015 draft, and proceeded to beat 264/317/350 over 1,744 rounds in the New York farming system. Holder then moved to the Phillies as a selection in the December 5 Rule Draft, and under the provisions of Rule 5, Holder will now have to remain on Cincinnati’s active roster throughout the season, or otherwise the reds will have to offer it back to the Yankees.
With Gregory back in the fold, Holder was a dispensable role in Philadelphia, but could potentially play a more important role for the Reds. Given Cincinnati’s lack of depth from shortstop, in fact, Holder could even be in line for some action in the starting eleven, unless the Reds add 1 more established infielder between now and Opening Day.
To that end, famed MLB.com reporter Jon Heyman tweeted that the Reds are still hoping to acquire Dominican Amed Rosary from Cleveland, after reports linked Cincinnati to Rosario earlier this week.
While Holder, 26 years old and 1.85 meters tall, has not beaten much in the minors and has not yet played even a Triple-A ball, he is a well-considered defender the glove may already be of the caliber of the Major Leagues.
Holder, a native of San Diego, California, has played primarily as a shortstop in the minors, but has also had time at second and third base, so he could serve as a valuable resource to the Reds ’bench.