Smith Jr. signed a minor league contract back in February and has been released after hitting .236/.300/.327 with one homer in 60 plate appearances at Triple-A Charlotte. The 29-year-old former top prospect last appeared in the majors with the Orioles during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

There's no word on whether he's been given a spring training invite. Smith saw action in the big leagues with the Blue Jays and Orioles from 2017-20 before struggling at Triple-A in the Reds organization in 2021.

Mallex Smith, whom the Reds just signed to a minor league contract, will the vacancy on the roster at Triple-A Louisville. Smith Jr. had slashed just .220/.327/.283 in 36 games this year for the Bats.

Smith signed a minor league deal with the Reds back in December after batting just .222 in 21 games last season with the Orioles.