Reds news: Brandon Finnegan among those added to 60-man player pool

The Reds added four players to the 60-man player pool, including Brandon Finnegan.

Everybody deserves a second chance. For Brandon Finnegan, this will be like a fourth or fifth chance. Still, the left-hander has undeniable talent and has been added to the Cincinnati Reds 60-man player pool. Might Finnegan find a spot on the active roster this season? That remains to be seen.

Finnegan was not the only addition to the Reds player pool on Friday. Cincinnati also added outfielder TJ Friedl and infielder Rece Hinds. The Reds also re-acquired outfielder Mark Payton from the Oakland Athletics for cash. Payton, who was a Rule 5 draftee, cleared waivers before the 2020 season began and was returned to Oakland.

Both Friedl and Hinds are among Cincinnati’s top 25 prospects according to MLB Pipeline. They join fellow top prospects Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, José García, Tyler Stephenson, Jonathan India, Tony Santillan, Stuart Fairchild and Alfredo Rodriguez.

The Reds player pool currently stands at 58 players. Teams are able to maintain two rosters this season. After trimming the active roster to 28 players, the alternate site consists of 32 players. The likes of Aristides Aquino, Tejay Antone and Josh VanMeter were recently optioned to the alternate site at Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio.

Brandon Finnegan was once a highly-touted prospect for the Reds.

Until last season, Brandon Finnegan was a mainstay on the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster. His last start in the big leagues was back in 2018. Finnegan went 0-3 in five starts with a 7.40 ERA. Finnegan had more walks (15) than strikeouts (14) that season.

The former Kansas City Royals first-round pick was part of the trade package that helped KC land right-hander Johnny Cueto. Finnegan, along with John Lamb and Cody Reed were traded to Cincinnati back in 2015.

In 2014, Finnegan was the No. 6 overall prospect in the Royals farm system according to MLB Pipeline. At 21-years of age, Finnegan made his big league debut that season, pitching in seven contests with a 1.29 ERA.

Brandon Finnegan has 67 games at the major-league level under his belt and is one of the few left-handed pitchers who is part of the Reds 60-man player pool. Cincinnati just designated Brooks Raley for assignment. The Reds currently have lefties Amir Garrett and Cody Reed in the bullpen, along with starter Wade Miley on the 28-man roster.

While the odds aren’t great that we’ll see Finnegan receive a call-up to the majors this season, don’t completely count him out. After being buried by former skipper Bryan Price, perhaps David Bell has plans for the former 17th overall draft pick.