3 free agents the Reds should sign once the MLB lockout is over

3. Reds should target Ryan Tepera once the MLB lockout is lifted.

Ryan Tepera played college ball for the Sam Houston State Bearkats, so it only makes sense for him to take up residence in Cincinnati, right? All kidding aside, Tepera had a fantastic 2021 season and could be a great boost to the Reds bullpen.

Tepera spent the majority of his career in Toronto before heading to the Windy City in 2020. The right-hander played for the Cubbies that season and split his time between the North Side and South Side of Chicago.

Tepera pitched in 61.1 innings last season and posted a 30.8% strikeout-rate and just a 7.9% walk-rate. Tepera was the National League Relief Pitcher of the Month in May last season and was part of combined no-hitter on June 24th.

The Cincinnati Reds need to improve the bullpen, period! Lucas Sims, Amir Garrett, and Luis Cessa are all solid options, but Ryan Tepera is a difference maker. With Tejay Antone on the shelf, David Bell needs a bullpen ace for the upcoming season. Tepera has the potential and could be signed for about $5M per season.

While everyone in the Queen City would love to see Nick Castellanos and/ or Mychal Givens return to Cincinnati, that seems very unlikely. However, a few other low-cost free agents could help the Reds remain competitive in 2022.