Veteran
Scott Barlow, an experienced reliever, joins the Cincinnati Reds
This winter, the Cincinnati Reds have made significant improvements to their bullpen. The Reds bullpen corps, which was a source of worry going into the 2024–25 winter, may end up being the team’s greatest asset come Opening Day.
Scott Barlow, a former closer for the Kansas City Royals, signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Reds on Tuesday; a physical is still required. Barlow spent six years in Kansas City before being dealt to the San Diego Padres in 2023. In 2024, he made 63 appearances out of the bullpen for the Cleveland Guardians
After acquiring former KC Royals closer Scott Barlow, the Reds bolster their bullpen.
Early in his major league career, Barlow was a middle reliever, but he moved closer to the Royals in
Barlow was a middle reliever early in major league career, but became the Royals closer in 2021. That season, the right-hander struck out 91 batters in 74 ⅓ innings of work while posting a 2.42 ERA. Barlow followed that up with a 24 save season in 2022 that saw him punch out 77 batters in 69 relief appearances.
For all intents and purposes, the Reds Opening Day bullpen is all but set in stone. If healthy, Barlow will join Alexis Díaz, Tony Santillan, Brent Suter, Sam Moll, Emilio Pagán, and Taylor Rogers. That eighth and final bullpen spot is up for grabs this spring, though a contingent of Reds fans are expecting to see Buck Farmer back in Goodyear later this month.
Add to the Reds depth the possibility that Nick Martinez — who’ll undoubtedly open the season in the starting rotation — could transition into a relief role as the season extends into the dog’s days of summer, and the Cincinnati bullpen is shaping up to be quite the force in the National League.
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