Ahead of their final home series of the season against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds claimed versatile infielder/outfielder Oswaldo Cabrera off waivers from the New York Yankees on Friday. The move comes two days after New York designated Cabrera for assignment to clear a spot on its 40-man roster for Clarke Schmidt, who returned from Tommy John surgery Wednesday.

Cabrera, 27, had spent his entire professional career with the Yankees after signing with the organization as an international free agent from Venezuela in July 2015. He reached the majors in 2022 and ultimately appeared in 304 regular-season games for New York, batting .232 with a .635 OPS, 20 home runs and 95 RBIs.

His value came largely from his defensive versatility. Cabrera started games at third base, second base, first base, shortstop, right field and left field, while also appearing in center field and even pitching. He had experience at every position except catcher and was used primarily as a utility option during his Yankees tenure.

Cabrera's 2025 season ended after he suffered a left ankle fracture and ligament damage on a painful slide into home in Seattle on May 12. He underwent surgery and missed the rest of the campaign before returning this year. The injury also interrupted a stretch in which he had become a familiar part of New York's roster.

The Yankees' roster circumstances changed during Cabrera's absence, and he spent most of 2026 with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In 122 games, he logged a .288 batting average with 19 home runs and 69 RBIs.

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Cabrera appeared in three games for the Yankees this season. He went hitless in nine at-bats.

The Reds have added a switch-hitting utility player with one minor-league option remaining for 2027. Cabrera entered arbitration this year on a $1.2 million salary, after earning $780,000 in 2025.

To create a 40-man roster opening for Cabrera, Cincinnati transferred Spencer Steer from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Steer has been sidelined since July 27 with a right wrist sprain.

The Reds also recalled right-hander Julian Aguiar and placed right-hander Julian Garcia on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to September 17, because of loose bodies in his right elbow. Garcia, 31, made his major-league debut this season and compiled a 3.13 ERA across 46 innings in 33 games.