3 backend starters the Reds could sign to a minor-league contract

3. Dylan Bundy could sign a minor-league contract with the Reds.

There's an outside chance that a pitcher with Dylan Bundy's resumé may be able to land a major league contract. But after going 10-17 with an ERA of 5.35 in the past two years, a minor league offer might be more likely.

Bundy was in the Cy Young conversation during his 2020 stint with the Los Angeles Angels. But since then, Bundy has fallen on hard times. The right-hander struck out just 94 batters over 140 innings pitched last season. That 6.0 K/9 is the lowest of his career by a wide margin.

However, Bundy could be a great project for Derek Johnson. The Reds pitching coach seems to make a habit of finding ways to get the most out of the players under his tutelage. A pitcher like Bundy who's former first-round talent and still only 30 years old, would slot nicely behind last year's three rookie hurlers.

Dylan Bundy has always been suceptible to the long ball. The right-hander led the leauge with 41 round trippers allowed in 2018 while with the Baltimore Orioles. Over the last three seasons, Bundy has posted a 1.5 HR/9.

The Cincinnati Reds will be on the lookout of potential backend starters over the next few weeks. A likely opening in the rotation to begin the season plus the prospects of working with Derek Johnson could be quite appealing to several pitchers looking to bounce back in 2023. Will the Reds be able to land an additional starter before spring training begins?