Reds OF JJ Bleday hits for the cycle, becomes 4th MLB player to achieve feat in 2026

On August 23, 2026, Cincinnati Reds' left fielder JJ Bleday made history by hitting for the cycle in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 11-5 victory marked Bleday's first career cycle, making him the fourth MLB player to achieve the feat in 2026. Bleday started the cycle early in the first inning with a double and proceeded to hit a triple in the third before belting a solo home run in the sixth to complete the cycle.

Though his teammates celebrated, the Diamondbacks' stadium remained relatively quiet. Bleday's performance was not limited to the cycle; he went on to collect a total of four hits in the game. This marked his second four-hit game of the year. Bleday joins a select group of eight Reds players to achieve the feat, with the most recent being teammate Elly De La Cruz in 2023.

De La Cruz's cycle came after a long drought, breaking the previous record of over 30 years. Bleday is now the fourth MLB player to hit for the cycle this season. The previous milestone was set by Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong on June 15, followed by Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper on June 20. Chicago White Sox rookie Tristan Peters added to the list on July 10, leading to his selection for the All-Star Game.