The Reds have been involved in rumors lately concerning adding a top-end SP to their rotation; well, today’s move was a depth move. The Reds have agreed to a 1-year deal with Buck Farmer, who pitched for them last season out of the Bullpen.
RHP – Buck Farmer
Farmer, a right-hand relief pitcher, appeared in 71 games last season for the Reds with 75 Innings of work, in which he had a 4-5 record, 4.20 era, three saves, 70 strikeouts, and a 1.160 WHIP. Buck isn’t a huge name or a top-end pitcher coming out of the bullpen, but he provided the team with valuable innings last year, and they hope he can repeat that performance in 2024. One thing to keep an eye on is his flyball rate, which was 20% in 2022 and jumped to 32% last season. If that trend continues, he could be in jeopardy of allowing a few more long balls this coming season!
Summary
The Reds don’t appear to be ready to spend any significant money on middle relief arms while they wait and see what happens with the SP market over the next week or so. If Farmer can repeat last season, then everyone will be happy; if he can keep the 23% K rate and bring his Flyball rate back down to 2022 numbers, then even better. This one-year contract will work in the end, and the money saved on getting him back versus adding a high-profiled middle relief arm will allow them to continue to add pieces to the roster to help them try and dethrone the Brewers atop the NL Central this season.
