Former Cincinnati Reds catcher Curt Casali has officially called it a career and transitioned into a new chapter within the organization. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Casali quietly retired from professional baseball earlier this season and has since accepted a position in the Reds’ front office. While the team has not yet revealed the specifics of his new role, it’s clear that Casali’s leadership, experience, and understanding of the game will now serve the Reds in an off-field capacity.
Casali, 36, enjoyed an 11-year MLB career that included stints with the Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and of course, the Cincinnati Reds. During his time in Cincinnati from 2018 to 2020, he became a respected presence behind the plate, both as a steady defensive catcher and a reliable contributor at the plate. In those three seasons, Casali posted a solid .247/.336/.402 slash line with 42 extra-base hits, often forming a dependable tandem with Tucker Barnhart in managing the Reds’ pitching staff.
He wrapped up his playing days after appearing in 41 games with the Giants in 2024, though he did not make an appearance in the majors this year before deciding to retire. Known for his professionalism and baseball IQ, Casali earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike, making him a natural fit for a front office role.
The Reds, meanwhile, finished the 2025 season with an 83-79 record, marking their first postseason appearance since the shortened 2020 campaign and their first in a full season since 2013. Despite the progress, Cincinnati’s playoff run was cut short with a two-game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Wild Card Series.
As the organization looks ahead to build on its recent success, Casali’s addition to the front office could prove valuable in shaping the team’s future direction—both in player development and roster strategy.
