The Cincinnati Reds looking to put last year’s disappointing season behind them as Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training. The Reds have already added a free-agent Lefty in Taylor Rogers to the mix. It appears today they have signed another veteran reliever to add depth to their bullpen.
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Scott Barlow – RHP
The Cincinnati Reds have bolstered their bullpen by signing right-handed reliever Scott Barlow to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, pending a physical. Barlow, 32, spent the 2024 season with the Cleveland Guardians. In 63 appearances, he posted a 3–3 record with a 4.25 ERA over 55 innings, recording 68 strikeouts and a 1.36 WHIP.
Advanced metrics from 2024 highlight Barlow’s effectiveness in limiting hard contact. He achieved an average exit velocity of 86.2 mph and a hard-hit rate of 32.6%, both figures better than league averages. His expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) stood at .315, indicating that his actual performance was in line with underlying metrics.
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Barlow’s pitching arsenal includes a sharp slider. It also features a four-seam fastball. He uses these pitches to keep hitters off balance. His strikeout rate of 11.1 per nine innings in 2024 underscores his ability to generate swings and misses.
Throughout his seven-year MLB career, Barlow has accumulated a 23–21 record with a 3.49 ERA and 58 saves. His experience as both a setup man and closer provides the Reds with valuable late-inning flexibility.
Wrap up
The addition of Barlow reflects the Reds’ commitment to strengthening their bullpen depth for the upcoming season. He has a proven track record. He can handle high-leverage situations. This makes him a valuable asset as Cincinnati aims to contend in the National League Central. Barlow will join Rogers, Emilio Pagan, and Alexis Diaz at the back end of the improved bullpen in 2025.
