5 bullpen bargains Reds must eye if signing Kyle Schwarber becomes a reality

The Kyle Schwarber rumors are heating up, with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) adding some juice to the offseason rumblings. According to Rosenthal, the Cincinnati Reds are serious about signing Schwarber this winter.

If the Reds a truly able land arguably the biggest bat on the free-agent market, Cincinnati's front office will then have their work cut out for them. Adding Schwarber at the expected cost of $30 million per season would likely force Nick Krall and the Reds front office to offload the likes of Brady Singer and Gavin Lux while at the same time adding low-cost bullpen arms in free agency.

Let's look at five relievers who wouldn't break the Reds' budget if Schwarber signs with his hometown team this offseason.

5 bullpen bargains Reds must eye if signing Kyle Schwarber becomes reality

Andrew Chafin, left-handed pitcher

The Reds reunited with Sam Moll on a one-year deal ahead of last month's non-tender deadline, but he's now the sole southpaw in the bullpen. Cincinnati could come to terms with a low-cost lefty like Andrew Chafin who's bounced around with six different organizations since 2022. The grizzled veteran logged 33 innings and posted a 2.41 ERA last season.

Scott Barlow, right-handed pitcher

The Reds turned down the opportunity to bring back Scott Barlow for $6.5 million next season, but the former Kansas City Royals closer could return on a more economical deal. Barlow was a workhorse for manager Terry Francona last season, and could be again in 2026. He made 75 appearances for Cincinnati, and the Reds will need someone to backfill those innings in 2026. Why not run it back?

Jalen Beeks, left-handed pitcher

Jalen Beeks posted a 3.77 ERA in 61 games last season. The 32-year-old left-hander would add another layer to a Reds bullpen that currently only has one southpaw (Moll). Beeks is a ground ball pitcher — something that works well at Great American Ball Park — and handles both lefties and righties well.

Caleb Ferguson, left-handed pitcher

Caleb Ferguson, much like Beeks, is another soft-tossing lefty. He was among the best in baseball last season in terms of average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard hit rate. Since the Reds are already targeting one Ohio native (Schwarber), why not go after a second? Ferguson was born in Columbus and was drafted out of West Jefferson High School in 2014.

Justin Wilson, left-handed pitcher

While both Beeks and Ferguson pitch to contact, Justin Wilson has strikeout stuff. At 38 years old, he's a bit long in the tooth, but was still able to get swings and misses while pitching for the Boston Red Sox last season (10.6 K/9). Wilson is familiar with the Reds organization, and could look to call Cincy home for a third time in his career.