2 pending free agents the Reds need to re-sign and 1 they need to let walk

The number of pending free agents currently on the Cincinnati Reds roster is not very long, as most of the roster is comprised of first and second-year players. But there are a few veterans in the Reds clubhouse, two of whom just arrived last week. Outfielders Harrison Bader and Hunter Renfroe were claimed off waivers on September.

Joey Votto is in the final guaranteed year of his 10-year contract extension, but the Reds maintain a $20-million club-option for the former MVP's services. Votto's contract also contains a $7-million buyout.

It seems a bit premature to determine whether or not Bader or Renfroe should return to the Reds next season, but there are a few others who've been with the team all season. Which two pending free agents do the Reds need to re-sign and which one do they need to let walk?

The Reds should re-sign pitcher Buck Farmer.

The Cincinnati Reds signed Buck Farmer to a minor league contract in 2022 and brought him back this season. It's fair to say that was a great decision on the part of the Reds' brass as the right-hander has been one of the most reliable arms out of the Cincinnati bullpen this season.

Farmer has appeared in over 60 games after making just 44 appearances a year ago. The veteran has filled almost every role imaginable. Farmer has been called upon in low-leverage and high-leverage situations and has even recorded two saves this season.

Outside of closer Alexis Diaz, not many fans knew what to make of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen before the start of the 2023 season, but thanks to pitchers like Farmer, Ian Gibaut, and Lucas Sims, it's become a strength of this year's team.

Outside of Gibaut, Sims, Diaz, Tejay Antone, and Fernando Cruz, it's anyone's guess who'll be part of the Reds bullpen in 2024. Farmer reliably throws strikes and keeps the ball in the ballpark. The right-hander should definitely be re-signed during the upcoming offseason.