Cincinnati Reds: Predicting the 2020 bullpen after adding Pedro Strop

8. Nate Jones, Right-handed pitcher

There are only eight spots available in the Reds bullpen, and if he’s healthy, Nate Jones will snag one of those spots. The right-hander spent his entire eight-year career with Chicago White Sox and put together quite a resumé. Earlier this offseason, Jones was signed to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Born in Butler, Kentucky, Nate Jones went undrafted out of high school and went on to play college baseball at Northern Kentucky University. Jones was eventually drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the White Sox and made the 25-man roster out of spring training in 2012. Jones finished his rookie year with a flawless 8-0 record and an ERA of 2.39.

Unfortunately, Jones underwent the dreaded Tommy John surgery in 2014. Just a few months prior, Jones was sidelined by back issues. Jones returned to action late during the 2015 season, striking out 27 batters win just 19 innings of work. The following year, Jones made 71 appearances and put up a 2.29 ERA.

Jones appeared in just 13 games last season before his 2019 campaign was cut short by surgery to repair a torn right flexer mass. If Jones can return to full strength, he could serve as a very talented arm in the Reds bullpen.

Cincinnati has several other non-roster invitees who could land a spot in the bullpen as well. Brooks Raley, Tyler Thornburg and Jesse Biddle will all be bidding for that final spot among the other in the relief corp. Pitching performances during spring training will be crucial in finding the final couple arms for the Reds pen.