After a somewhat disappointing 1893 season, in which the Reds had a 65–63 record to finish in sixth place, the club was hoping to rebound in 1894. Player-manager Charles Comiskey would return to manage the team for a third season. During the off-season, the Reds acquired outfielder Dummy Hoy from the Washington Senators in a trade. Hoy had batted .245 with no home runs, 45 RBI, and 48 stolen bases with the Senators in 1893. Hoy led the National League in stolen bases with 82 while with the Washington Nationals in 1888.