Cincinnati Reds bullpen additions have come through minor-league deals

The Cincinnati Reds have added two impact bats and a left-handed starter this offseason, but additions to the bullpen have come through minor-league deals.

The Cincinnati Reds added yet another bullpen arm yesterday. Nate Jones, formerly of the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers, agreed to a minor-league deal with the team that includes an invite to spring training. Jones joins an ever-growing list of skilled relievers whose best days are behind them.

Nate Jones has been one of the better relievers in baseball over the years, but injuries robbed the 33-year-old from a productive campaign in 2019. The right-hander from Kentucky received a buyout from the Rangers rather than having his $3.75M option picked up. Jones has pitched in 30 or fewer innings in four of the past five seasons.

However, when healthy, Jones has been quite effective. In 2018, Jones went 2-2 with a 3.00 ERA. In 33 games, Jones struck out 32 batters and owned a 143 ERA+. Unfortunately, right shoulder fatigue and forearm surgery ended Jones 2019 season after just 10.1 innings of work.

Jones is just the latest reliever added to Cincinnati’s roster, but to call any of the additions an impact arm would be a gross overstatement. The Reds signed David Carpenter, R.J. Alaniz, Brooks Raley, and Tyler Thornburg to minor-league contracts this offseason.

Carpenter owns a career-ERA of 3.69 and has played for six different organizations over his career. Alaniz saw some time with the Reds towards the end of last season. Raley spent the last several seasons in the KBO League in Korea, and Thornburg was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome back in 2017 and had an ERA above 7.00 last season.

None of these acquisitions are a major upgrade to the Reds bullpen. With no impact free agent relievers remaining on the market, it would appear that any big-time addition would have to come through a trade. But, do the Reds really need a top-flight addition to the bullpen? I’d argue no.

The backend of the bullpen is set. Raisel Iglesias, whether you like it or not, will be the team’s closer in 2020. Michael Lorenzen and Amir Garrett will surely see action late in games, as will last year’s surprise Robert Stephenson.

Beyond those four, Lucas Sims would seem to be a surefire lock to be part of next year’s relief corp. Out of minor league options, Sims showed last season that he could go more than one inning in relief or make a spot start on occasion.

With those five relievers cemented in place, it would appear that the Reds have three open spots in the bullpen. Sal Romano and Cody Reed are out of minor-league options and will likely be given every chance to make the team. José De León also has a very good chance to make the Opening Day roster as well.

While everyone through Reds Country would love to see the team add an impact reliever, I don’t think it’s in the cards. In fact, I dare say it’s more likely that Cincinnati adds another bat via free agency before the front office adds a reliever.

The Cincinnati Reds bullpen was average last season. With an elite-level starting rotation and an improved offense, maybe all the bullpen needs to be is average. If Iglesias returns to form, that like an additional reliever in and of itself. Again, while another relief pitcher would be welcome, I doubt we’ll see it beyond just another minor-league deal.