What the Cincinnati Reds 2022 roster looks like entering ’20-21 offseason

Projected 2022 Cincinnati Reds relief pitchers (8)

Lucas Sims (RHP), Amir Garrett (LHP), Ryan Hendrix (RHP), Tejay Antone (RHP), José De León (RHP), Tony Santillan (RHP), Jacob Heatherly (LHP), Riley O’Brien (RHP)

First off, you’ll notice that Michael Lorenzen is absent from the bullpen. The 2021 season will be a key one for Mikey Biceps, as the right-hander’s role is undefined heading to the offseason. Is he a starter or reliever? With Trevor Bauer’s likely departure, Lorenzen could find a spot in the rotation. The California-native is also a free agent following next season, so his future with the Reds is questionable.

Lucas Sims and Amir Garrett might be the two most valuable weapons in the Cincinnati bullpen. Sims became a dominant force when he entered the game and his spin-rate is among the best in all of Major League Baseball. Garrett is virtually un-hittable against lefties. If he can become that same pitcher against right-handed hitters, you’re looking at the Reds next closer.

Speaking of closers, both Archie Bradley and Raisel Iglesias are free agents following the 2021 season, and I have to squint pretty hard to see either player returning. Closing duties might fall to a committee rather than a single player, something that David Bell would probably prefer. Sims, Garrett, and possibly Tony Santillan have the skills necessary to close out a game.

Tejay Antone showed in 2020 that he’ll be a large part of the Reds future. He could make a run at the starting rotation next season, and if he falls short will surely be part of the relief corps. We didn’t see the best from José De León, but the talent is there. Ryan Hendrix was added to the 40-man roster last winter and will likely make his big league debut in 2021.

As for the final two spots, we’re going to go with prospects Jacob Heatherly and Riley O’Brien. Both players have the opportunity to convey to the team’s front office that they have what it takes to be a starting pitcher, but their talents might be a better fit in the bullpen. O’Brien has a nasty slider and Heatherly gives Cincinnati another lefty out of the pen.