The Cincinnati Reds have signed reliever Scott Barlow to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, writes ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. The contract is still pending a physical. The 32-year-old right-handed reliever posted a 4.25 ERA in 63 games with the Cleveland Guardians last season. He also has a career 3.49 ERA in 387 innings pitched. In 2021 and 2022, Barlow was acknowledged as one of the finest back-end relievers in the American League, with a 2.30 ERA and 40 saves in 140 appearances.
Reds Sign Back-End Reliever Scott Barlow
Barlow joins the Reds’ bullpen as a solid addition to their 7th or 8th option. Barlow was outstanding in several aspects of his pitching last season. According to Baseball Savant, he had a 32.6% groundball rate, a 33.6% hard hit rate, a 32.6% whiff rate, and an average exit velocity of 86.2 mph. With 68 strikeouts in 55 innings pitched, the Reds got Barlow for a fantastic price. Barlow also adds value by causing swings and misses. Barlow is reminiscent of free-agent Reds reliever Buck Farmer, whom he will most likely replace.
Both have the strength to get out. Barlow’s slider causes batters to swing and miss, resulting in more whiffs. Barlow also depends on his fastball, curveball, and sinker to defeat opponents.
While the Reds did not make any big moves, they did add some significant players, including infielder Gavin Lux, All-Star reliever Taylor Rogers, and outfielder Austin Hays. The selection of manager Terry Francona indicates a desire to turn things around following a difficult 2024 season. Despite a tight budget, the Reds had a fruitful summer, improving both their offense and bullpen to stay competitive. With the signing of Scott Barlow, the Reds’ bullpen now has a strong trio, including Rogers and Barlow.
In 2025, the starting rotation is predicted to be led by Hunter Greene, Nick Martinez, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and newcomer Rhett Lowder.
