Cincinnati Reds: Ranking the free agent signings this offseason

4. Pedro Strop, Right-handed pticher

One-year/$1.8M deal

The Cincinnati Reds inked former Chicago Cubs reliever Pedro Strop to a one-year deal worth $1.8M. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Strop has the potential to take home $3.5M if he meets certain criteria. Strop adds another power arm to an already-loaded Reds bullpen. He also has tons of experience within the NL Central Division.

Much the opposite of Wade Miley, Pedro Strop is coming off one of his worst seasons since coming up to the majors. Last year, Strop went 2-5 with a 4.97 ERA in 50 appearances for the Cubs. Strop had not pitched that badly since his time with the Texas Rangers. Hopefully, the right-hander can return to player we’re used to seeing.

Strop’s strikeout-rate didn’t suffer last season, in fact, it was the highest he’d seen in three years according to FanGraphs. Unfortunately, Strop’s walk-rate was also up. Even worse was his HR/9 (1.30), which was the highest it’d been since 2010. If Strop returns to form, this could be a very valuable signing.

Because Pedro Strop will likely not be counted on as one of the top two or three arms out of the Reds bullpen, there’s no need to rank him above No. 4 on this list. Yes, it was a very solid signing and brings depth to the Cincinnati bullpen. However, considering all the acquisitions the Reds have made this season, Strop’s signing is not as significant as some of the others.