Cincinnati Reds news: Raisel Iglesias’ new deal, Jimmy Herget to 40-man roster

The Cincinnati Reds made a few moves over the last few days. Raisel Iglesias signed a new 3-year deal and Jimmy Herget was added to the 40-man roster.

The Cincinnati Reds have yet to make any major free agent additions or blockbuster trades this offseason. But, the past two days saw the Reds add a reliever to the 40-man roster and lock up a key member of their bullpen.

Iggy is coming back. Raisel Iglesias signed a 3-year contract extension yesterday to remain with the Reds through the 2021 season. The new deal is for $24.125 MM according to MLB.com and will replace the existing deal that Iglesias signed as an international free agent.

So why, you may ask, did the Reds need to redo Iggy’s deal? While it’s true that Iglesias was originally signed through 2021 with an additional arbitration attached to his first contract, it also provided Iglesias with the option to opt into arbitration. His previous contract allowed him the option to opt into arbitration following the 2017, 2018, or 2019 seasons.

Iglesias did not do so last year, and it’s unclear if Iglesias would have done so this go-around. But, rather than risk him choosing that route, the Cincinnati Reds were proactive and signed their closer to the extension. Under his previous contract, Iglesias would’ve been paid $5 million next season.

One would think that this signifies a commitment to Raisel Iglesias remaining in the closers role for the next few years. Iggy pitched in 66 games last season with a 2.38 ERA and 30 saves. His WHIP was 1.069 and his ERA+ was 177. He also struck out 80 batters.

Herget added to 40-man roster. If you haven’t yet heard of Jimmy Herget, you will. I’ve been signing this young man’s praises for the last several months and the Cincinnati Reds recently added Herget to the 40-man roster.

Herget pitched 59.2 innings in 2018 while playing for the Louisville Bats, Cincinnati’s Triple-A affiliate. Herget went 1-3 with a 3.47 ERA and was used mainly as a setup man and closer. His strikeout to walk ratio was 3:1 last season and he struck 65 of the opposing batters he faced.

Herget has an awkward delivery that is sure to give Major League hitters fits. His motion is not repeated and his arm angle changes from pitch to pitch. Jimmy Herget will have a real shot to make the club out of Spring Training, but if he doesn’t, expect him to start the season at Triple-A Louisville. If he duplicates his success from last year, it won’t be long before he makes his big league debut.