Getting to know the newest addition to the Reds farm system

Kyle Farmer was traded to the Minnesota Twins last week. The Cincinnati Reds fanbase was in a little bit of shock, and rightfully so. After all, Farmer was arguably the Reds best position player in 2022.

But with all the discussion about Farmer's absence and the addition, in a separate deal, for former Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman, Cincinnati's newest pitcher seems to have been overlooked.

The Twins sent right-hander Casey Legumina to the Reds in exchange for Farmer. A former eighth-round pick of Minnesota back in 2019, let's get to know the newest addition to the Cincinnati farm sytem.

Getting to know Reds' newest pitcher Casey Legumina.

Casey Legumina is a native of Dallas, Texas and played his college ball up in Spokane, Washington for Gonzaga University. After his junior season, Legumina was drafted in the 35th-round by the then-Cleveland Indians.

Legumina returned to school for his senior year, and was evenutally taken in Round 8 by the Minnesota Twins. In his two minor league seasons, Legumina was adopted a swing-role; seeing time as both a starter and reliever.

Legumina has pitched in 48 games during his minor league career that included 25 starts. After beginning last season as a starter at High-A Cedar Rapids, the Twins decided that the organization would be best served if the 25-year-old worked exclusively out of the bullpen.

Casey Legumina made the switch and over the final 15 games of the 2022 season at Double-A Wichita, the right-hander punched out 26 batters over 17.2 innings while walking only six. That 26.3% K-BB% undoubtedly played a role in the Reds' pursuit of Legumina last week.

Legumina should see plenty of time as a reliever this coming spring, and if he performs well enough, there's a chance Cincinnati's newest addition could find his way onto the Opening Day roster. The more likely scenario, however, is that Legumina begins next season in the minors and works his way up to the big leagues as the 2023 season unfolds.