Ranking the best free agent relief pitcher targets for the Reds

9. Robert Stephenson, Right-handed reliever

Another former Cincinnati Reds reliever appears on the list, and with good reason. Bob Steve had a solid season in 2023 with 77 strikeouts in 66 appearances while working out of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays bullpen.

The most impressive stat, however, when it comes to Robert Stephenson is the WHIP. Stephenson ended the year with a 0.88 WHIP. During his time in Tampa, Stephenson walked just eight of the 140 batters he faced. The biggest problem with Bob Steve is inconsistency; something Reds fans saw during his time in Cincinnati.

8. Andrew Chafin, Left-handed reliever

Andrew Chafin just looks like a major league pitcher, doesn't he? The southpaw has been all over the league the past few years, so it's high time he makes a stop in Cincinnati. Chafin went 3-4 last season with a 4.73 ERA.

The previous two seasons, however, the left-hander put up terrific numbers. Chafin is going to get plenty of punch outs, and the lefty is oftentimes looking for weak contact. According to Baseball Savant, Chafin allowed an average exit velocity in the 88th percentile (86.8 mph).

7. Reynaldo Lopez, Right-handed reliever

Reynaldo Lopez is another hard-throwing right-hander who could excel in the backend of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen. The Reds have a solid 1-2 punch with Alexis Diaz and Lucas Sims, but could use an additional hurler to help work the eighth and ninth innings.

Lopez struck out nearly 30-percent of the batters he faced in 2023, but his walk-rate was greater than 12-percent. Lopez would give Reds manager David Bell an alternative option to Sims late in games when he needs to get batters out.