Nick Krall declared Reds are almost done spending, but there's one more signing left

This seems obvious, doesn't it?

Milwaukee Brewers v Cincinnati Reds - Game One
Milwaukee Brewers v Cincinnati Reds - Game One | Kirk Irwin/GettyImages

Undeniably, the Cincinnati Reds' front office had a strong offseason. Cincinnati added future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona to take over as skipper while acquiring key contributors in Brady Singer, Gavin Lux, Austin Hays, and Taylor Rogers. Those are some hefty additions, but the Reds should not be done filling out their 2025 roster just yet.

While Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall said that they are likely done adding this winter, Cincy's front office should still consider bringing back one more relief pitcher before they officially close the checkbook on offseason spending.

After posting a 3.04 ERA in 61 outings last season, it seemed like a slam dunk that Buck Farmer would come back to the Reds. A bullpen highlighted by Alexis Díaz, Sam Moll, Emilio Pagán, and Taylor Rogers is very good, but Farmer would cement the staff's versatility.

Reds should reunite with free agent pitcher Buck Farmer

In 2024, Farmer recorded four or more outs 19 times. Farmer is able to come into the game at any given point, which is something most relievers are not comfortable doing. He finished 21 games, but is programmed to throw whenever called upon — a luxury that the Reds should not take for granted.

His overall numbers from last season, alongside his ability to pitch more than one inning at any point in the game, makes it all a bit surprising that he is still a free agent. In the 61 games Farmer surrendered multiple runs only four times.

Farmer was one of the most underrated relievers in Major League Baseball last year, and has built a bit of a home in Cincinnati. He's been with the Reds for three seasons now and has shown tremendous reliability, which makes his quiet free agency somewhat of a head-scratcher — or maybe there's been something in the works for sometime and the two sides are patiently waiting to move one of Brandon Williamson or Julian Aguiar to the 60-day IL.

The Reds need Farmer back in the fold. His addition would help make Cincinnati's relief corps one of the best in the National League. Farmer won't cost too much, so hopefully Krall and his staff have a little wiggle room left to bring back Buck.

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