Cincinnati Reds should sign some free agent relievers

The Cincinnati Reds pitching problem

The Cincinnati Reds are one of the many teams that have struggled on the pitching front. Also, the team has a ton of young arms that need work. But, utilizing some inning eaters would help to give the younger hurlers an innings limit. The Reds need to look into adding quality guys to help the youth out, not counting Homer Bailey. Righty Clay Bucholz could be a guy to sign coming off Tommy John as someone who start or be a long reliever.

Furthermore, the plethora of young wings in the rotation gives this team a bright future. They just need to gain experience at the major league level. This team is basically a try out for the next year or two, so give them all the time they need. The club has been rebuilding for quite some time, so don’t rush the process.

With that said, continue to let the young core flesh itself out and gel together. Also, add veteran talent to the mix for tutelage and support. The team’s face of the franchise is Joey Votto, who will most likely be here for the rest of his career. So, Cincinnati needs some guys to mentor players on the mound. I’m not saying every veteran is a teacher, but the more arms the merrier for a rebuilding club is the best option.

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And no, it won’t take away a lot of innings for new ace Luis Castillo and company. The Reds would be wise to save the young pitcher from throwing too many innings in 2018. They aren’t winning anything next year, so take it easy. The youth movement can still get plenty of experience, just don’t overdo it. Reds fans have been waiting a while for a good team, the team shouldn’t mess up the process trying to speed it up.

Possible pitcher additions

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Even with the relievers that have been signed to lucrative deals, the Reds still have plenty of options without breaking the bank. The bullpen presence has been more valued in recent years so there will be plenty of demand. Left-handed reliever Fernando Abad is a consistent pitcher who tossed a 3.30 ERA in 43.2 innings with the Red Sox in 2017. The southpaw should earn a multi-year deal. He has shown that he can pitch in a hitter’s ballpark.

Another pitcher could be lefty Brett Anderson. He is an oft-injured pitcher, but he would be a good upside play for the rebuilding Reds.

Last season, he tossed a 6.34 ERA with Toronto. But, the southpaw is only 29 and could use a change of scenery. He is a soft tosser but could be used as a lefty specialist as he is getting back to form. The Reds should be able to get him relatively cheap as he looks to rebuild value again.

Veteran pitcher Dillion Gee can be versatile on the mound. He can be a regular/spot starter or a bullpen arm. The righty tossed a 3.47 ERA in 49.1 innings. Gee would be able to stretch himself over time with this club. He should have a long leash considering the Reds aren’t competitive. The righty projects to go 4-4 with a 4.44 ERA in 75 innings in 2018. The veteran is a flyer Cincinnati should invest in.

Overall

The Cincinnati Reds are a young team, and adding veteran talent to the mix would benefit them. The Reds would also be adding possible trade pieces in the summer to beef up the farm system. They could have a few low-risk high reward pitchers to sign the fall through the cracks.

Next: Reds Goals for FanSided Simulated Winter Meetings

The Phillies are a team that is rebuilding, but they still added a good reliever, Tommy Hunter. Cincinnati is a club that is close also, and it should be in their best interest to add reliable guys out in the ‘pen.  Ultimately, the Reds are a going in the right direction.