Meet the Reds newest, hard-throwing relief pitcher

Frank German was drafted in the fourth-round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. He bounced around the Yankees farm system for three seasons before AL East rival, the Boston Red Sox, would acquire him in a trade.

After being acquired in 2021, German would play the 2021 season with the Red Sox Double-A affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs. German wasn't spectacular in 2021, but that would change in 2022.

During the 2022 season, he split time between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. German compiled a 2.72 ERA with 64 strikeouts in nearly 50 innings.

Frank German will bring an electric fastball to the Reds bullpen.

Because of his tremendous minor league play, German was promoted to the majors, where he would only tally four innings and surrendered eight earned runs before being designated for assignment in the 2023 offseason.

German was then traded to the Chicago White Sox. But after beginning the season by allowing nine earned runs in just over 11 innings at the Triple-A level, the White Sox DFA'd German as well.

That is when the Cincinnati Reds swooped in and claimed the 25-year-old right-hander. German has been assigned to Triple-A Louisville but has yet to make his debut for the Louisville Bats.

German features a three-pitch mix, mainly revolving around his fastball and a hard slider. His fastball has shown overpowering ability, averaging 98.1 MPH according to Baseball Savant. So far in 2023, the Reds have seen some struggles with the bullpen, with closer Alexis Diaz being one of the only reliable options.

The Cincinnati Reds will look to harness the powerful arsenal of Frank German in order to make him a viable option out of the bullpen. This move doesn't require much risk on the part of the Reds, but does occupy a valuable spot on the 40-man roster. If German can put it all together, he could be a good option in the Reds bullpen down the road.