Reds Bolster Pitching Staff Amid Decision on Former Top Prospect
The Cincinnati Reds have been proactive this offseason, making strategic moves to enhance their pitching staff and overall roster depth. These decisions reflect the organization’s commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming 2025 MLB season.
Claiming Roansy Contreras Off Waivers
In December 2024, the Reds claimed right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Texas Rangers. Once regarded as a top-100 prospect, Contreras began his MLB journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates, showcasing promise with a 3.79 ERA over 95 innings in his 2022 rookie season. However, subsequent challenges, including a dip in velocity and consistency issues, led to his movement between teams such as the Los Angeles Angels and the Rangers. Now with the Reds, Contreras aims to revitalize his career and fulfill the potential that once made him a highly touted prospect.
Signing Reliever Scott Barlow
To further strengthen their bullpen, the Reds signed free-agent right-hander Scott Barlow to a one-year contract in February 2025. Barlow, 32, brings experience and a solid track record, having posted a 4.25 ERA with 68 strikeouts over 55 innings in 63 relief appearances for the Cleveland Guardians in the previous season. His career includes stints with the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres, with standout years in 2021-2022, during which he maintained a combined 2.30 ERA with 40 saves. Barlow’s addition is expected to provide stability and veteran presence to the Reds’ bullpen.
Trading for Brady Singer
In a notable trade in November 2024, the Reds acquired right-handed pitcher Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer. Singer, entering his sixth MLB season, had a 3.71 ERA and a personal-best 170 strikeouts over 179 2/3 innings in the previous season. His addition addresses the Reds’ need for a reliable starting pitcher and signifies a strategic move to balance their roster by trading from an area of depth to strengthen their rotation.
Reacquiring Alex Young
The Reds also brought back left-handed reliever Alex Young on a minor league deal in January 2025. Young had previously pitched for Cincinnati during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, demonstrating reliability with a 121 ERA+ over 53.2 innings in 2023. After dealing with injuries and brief stints with other teams, Young’s return on a low-risk deal adds depth and a potential left-handed option to the Reds’ bullpen, pending his performance in spring training.
Outlook for the 2025 Season
These strategic moves reflect the Reds’ commitment to addressing key areas of need, particularly in their pitching staff. By acquiring both experienced arms and players with untapped potential, Cincinnati aims to build a more competitive team for the 2025 season. Fans and analysts will be keenly observing how these additions perform and contribute to the Reds’ pursuit of success in the highly competitive National League Central division.
Reds Bolster Pitching Staff Amid Decision on Former Top Prospect
The Cincinnati Reds have been proactive this offseason, making strategic moves to enhance their pitching staff and overall roster depth. These decisions reflect the organization’s commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming 2025 MLB season.
Claiming Roansy Contreras Off Waivers
In December 2024, the Reds claimed right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Texas Rangers. Once regarded as a top-100 prospect, Contreras began his MLB journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates, showcasing promise with a 3.79 ERA over 95 innings in his 2022 rookie season. However, subsequent challenges, including a dip in velocity and consistency issues, led to his movement between teams such as the Los Angeles Angels and the Rangers. Now with the Reds, Contreras aims to revitalize his career and fulfill the potential that once made him a highly touted prospect.
Signing Reliever Scott Barlow
To further strengthen their bullpen, the Reds signed free-agent right-hander Scott Barlow to a one-year contract in February 2025. Barlow, 32, brings experience and a solid track record, having posted a 4.25 ERA with 68 strikeouts over 55 innings in 63 relief appearances for the Cleveland Guardians in the previous season. His career includes stints with the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres, with standout years in 2021-2022, during which he maintained a combined 2.30 ERA with 40 saves. Barlow’s addition is expected to provide stability and veteran presence to the Reds’ bullpen.
Trading for Brady Singer
In a notable trade in November 2024, the Reds acquired right-handed pitcher Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer. Singer, entering his sixth MLB season, had a 3.71 ERA and a personal-best 170 strikeouts over 179 2/3 innings in the previous season. His addition addresses the Reds’ need for a reliable starting pitcher and signifies a strategic move to balance their roster by trading from an area of depth to strengthen their rotation.
Reacquiring Alex Young
The Reds also brought back left-handed reliever Alex Young on a minor league deal in January 2025. Young had previously pitched for Cincinnati during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, demonstrating reliability with a 121 ERA+ over 53.2 innings in 2023. After dealing with injuries and brief stints with other teams, Young’s return on a low-risk deal adds depth and a potential left-handed option to the Reds’ bullpen, pending his performance in spring training.
Outlook for the 2025 Season
These strategic moves reflect the Reds’ commitment to addressing key areas of need, particularly in their pitching staff. By acquiring both experienced arms and players with untapped potential, Cincinnati aims to build a more competitive team for the 2025 season. Fans and analysts will be keenly observing how these additions perform and contribute to the Reds’ pursuit of success in the highly competitive National League Central division.
