Reds sign former no-hit artist to minor-league deal

The Cincinnati Reds made a minor-league signing on Wednesday after agreeing to terms with left-handed pitcher Tyler Gilbert. Most baseball fans will remember Gilbert's first start as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021 when he walked off the mound with the third no-hitter in franchise history.

Though not much has gone right for Gilbert since that magical night in August over two years ago, not many players can say that they've thrown a no-hitter. Gilbert made nine appearances for the D-backs that season and posted a 3.15 ERA. However, he's pitched sporadically in the major leagues over the past two seasons and owns a 5.23 ERA during that time.

But the Reds are continuing to add to their talented group of non-roster invitees. There's about a month remaining until pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, and Gilbert's résumé offers him as good an opportunity as anyone to make the club heading into Opening Day.

Reds sign former no-hit artist, Tyler Gilbert, to minor-league deal

Tyler Gilbert fits that swingman role that the Reds are hoping to see free agent signee Nick Martinez fill in 2024. The left-hander has 28 major league appearances under his belt with 13 starts and a career-ERA of 4.32.

Last season at Triple-A Reno, Gilbert pitched in 30 games for the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate and posted a 5.30 ERA in just under 75 innings pitched. The southpaw struck out 88 batters, but gave up far too many hits. Gilbert allowed 10.7 hits per nine innings pitched in the minors last year.

Walks, however, have not been an issue for Gilbert over the years. During his eight minor league seasons, the lefty has allowed fewer than seven-percent of the batters he's faced to reach safely via the walk.

It's highly unlikely that Gilbert will make a run at the Reds Opening Day starting rotation, but stranger things have happened. The 30-year-old does, however, have minor-league options remaining, so if his contract is selected at some point during the 2024 season, the Reds could send him back to Triple-A and keep Gilbert on the 40-man roster.

Baseball fans saw four no-hitters last season, and there have only been 322 no-hitters throughout the 100-plus year history of Major League Baseball, 17 of which have been tossed by Reds pitchers. One such player who's accomplished that feat will be in Goodyear next month.