Heads Up, Alexis Diaz: Cincinnati Reds sign another reliever with final experience

On By Littum

Goodyear, Arizona – just because spring training starts, does not mean Cincinnati Reds performed with acquisitions out of season. Or storage options for the closer role for that matter.

The day before the first official workouts for pitchers and prisoners, the Red Tuesday accepted to have a veteran reliever Scott Barlow On one year agreement of $ 2.5 million pending a physical one.

Barlow, 32, is the second former closer that Reds has acquired in the last two weeks, at least delivers the appearance of alternatives to the ninth lap role if Alexis Diaz breaks again.

Scott Barlow.Scott Barlow.

Scott Barlow.

Right -handed earned a career hill 24 savings as Kansas City Royals’ closer in 2022 and has a career 3.49 ERA with 58 career savings.

Barlow produced a 4.25 ERA in 63 appearances for Cleveland Guardians last year before Guardians released him on September 11.

Alexis Diaz and Cincinnati Red’s closer role

After trading in the former closer Taylor Rogers two weeks ago, team president Nick Krall suggested that the move did not reflect on Diaz ‘status as Red’s’ closer.

“I think it’s his job right now,” Krall said of Diaz, an all-star from 2023 for the Reds.

After producing a 2.03 ERA and 13.7 strikes per Nine laps in the first half of 2023 with 26 savings in 27 chances, Diaz has a 4.20 ERA in 90 appearances since, with an 8-10 record, 39 savings in 45 chances and 8.6 strike per year. nine (1.67 KS-to-Walks rate).

Rogers, a left side, had 30-rescue seasons for Minnesota Twins in 2019 and Padres and Brewers in 2022.

The reds have to clear a 40-man list for Barlow. They are expected to do so when Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar (both Tommy John operation) are put on the 60-day wounded list. Teams are allowed to make 60-day IL movements from Wednesday.

Cincinnati Reds Relievers

With Barlow, the red camp with six relievers will open under Big-League contracts for a total of more than $ 24 million for 2025:

  • RHP Emilio Pagan ($ 8 million)

  • LHP Taylor Rogers (Reds pay $ 6 million at $ 12m in total)

  • RHP Alexis Diaz ($ 4.5 million)

  • RHP Scott Barlow ($ 2.5 million)

  • LHP Brent Suter ($ 2.25 million)

  • LHP SAM MOLL ($ 1.008 million)

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Scott Barlow -sign with Cincinnati Reds before spring training