Forgotten Reds' trade acquisition could make an unexpected impact in 2025

Reiver Sanmartin hasn't set foot on a major league mound since May 7, 2023. The left-hander struggled at the outset of his second big league season and landed on the injured list with an elbow injury. Sanmartin underwent UCL surgery midway through the year and was actually released by the Reds a little over a year ago.

But Cincinnati quickly re-signed the southpaw to a minor-league deal and allowed him to rehab throughout the year. Sanmartin was sent on a rehab assignment shortly after the All-Star break last season with two stops in the Arizona Complex League and one at High-A Dayton before rejoining the Louisville Bats in late-July.

The organization was very careful to bring Sanmartin along slowly last season. Nearly every one of his outings was less than two innings, and only once did the left-handed throw more than 25 pitches. Last season was all about getting healthy, but don't put it past Sanmartin to make an impact on the Reds' roster in 2025.

Forgotten Reds' trade acquisition could make an unexpected impact in 2025

In total, Sanmartin appeared in 21 minor league games a year ago, including two starts. Based on the Reds' pitching depth, any role Sanmartin may take on next season would come in relief. His 6.33 ERA and 1.547 ERA were rather unsightly, but the lefty was still striking out eight batters per nine innings pitched.

Without Justin Wilson, the Reds lack the same type of depth in the bullpen from 2024. Last season, former Reds manager David Bell had three southpaws — Wilson, Sam Moll, and Brent Suter — to turn to. After Wilson left in free agency, the Reds have just two lefties coming out of the pen.

Sanmartin will surely be given a non-roster invite to spring training with a chance to break onto the Reds Opening Day roster. Outside of four pitchers (Moll, Suter, Alexis Díaz, and Emilio Págan), everyone else will be fighting for a spot. When he's at his best, Sanmartin is getting soft contact and inducing ground balls; both of which work well at the hitter-friendly confines of Great American Ball Park.

So while he's received little fanfare this offseason, don't be so quick to dismiss Sanmartin's chances of breaking camp with the big league club in 2025. At the very least, the lefty will provide some much needed depth at Triple-A, and with minor-league options remaining, Cincinnati could shuttle Sanmartin back and forth on I-71 if he's added back to the 40-man roster.

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