3 starters who could be on the Reds' shortlist as Cincy looks for more pitching depth

Rumors emerged earlier this week suggesting that the Cincinnati Reds are interested in adding an additional starting pitcher. This isn't necessarily an ideal time to be seeking such a player with spring training in full swing, Opening Day is just four weeks away, and the talent pool all but dried up.

But, in typical Reds' fashion, Cincinnati is reportedly targeting pitchers who would be amenable to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. FanSided's Robert Murray believes that Cincinnati may have to dole out a major-league deal in order to get one of the many free agent hurlers to sign on the dotted line, but that's not going to stop the Reds from trying to get a bargain.

The list of free agents who are still available is not ripe with talent. In fact, many are aging has-beens and also-rans. But, the Reds' interest in adding an extra starter may be nothing more than finding a serviceable pitcher who can help the team fight their way through the first month of the season while both Andrew Abbott and Rhett Lowder continue to work their way into game-shape.

Reds Rumors: 3 starting pitchers who could be on Cincy's shortlist

Spencer Turnbull, right-handed pitcher

Turnbull turned in a respectable season a year ago. The former Detroit Tigers hurler found his footing with the Philadelphia Phillies last season. His success came in more a hybrid role; Turnbull logged seven starts and 10 relief appearances in 2024.

Turnbull suffered a lat strain midway through the season and landed on the 60-day IL. The Reds would obviously need to be sure that Turnbull 100% healthy before signing him to any sort of free agent deal. The right-hander was 3-0 with a 2.65 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 54 ⅓ innings pitched last season. He could be a nice addition to the Reds' stable of pitchers.

Kyle Gibson, right-handed pitcher

It'll be a challenge to coax Gibson into a signing a minor-league deal after the right-handed inked a $13 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals just last year. Gibson has been, at the very least, available the past few seasons. The veteran has logged 30 more starts and 150-plus innings in each of the past four seasons.

But the production hasn't matched the availability. Stepping on the bump once every fifth day is only part of the job. The other part involves finding success; something that's eluded Gibson. The 37-year-old has historically done a good job of keeping the ball on the ground, which is always a positive when pitching at Great American Ball Park. But it'll be a stretch to convince Gibson to sign anything less than a major-league contract.

Johnny Cueto, right-handed pitcher

This name will bring back some fond memories, and it wasn't that long ago that Cueto was linked to the Reds. Two years ago, Cueto was rumored to be on the Reds radar before he eventually signed with the Miami Marlins. He made just 13 appearances that season and posted a 6.02 ERA before being shown the door. Last season, Cueto finagled a minor-league deal out of the Texas Rangers, but was cut loose after two starts.

Adding Cueto would be more about nostalgia than actual production. The right-hander had a fine bounce-back season in 2022 with the Chicago White Sox, but hasn't had any real consistent success since. Cueto's willingness to sign a minor-league deal and his previous link to Cincinnati are the only reasons he even appears on the list of possible free agent signings. But it just feels like the type of the move the Reds would make, doesn't it?

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