Staggering spring training statistic that may see Ian Gibaut on the Reds Opening Day roster

The competition for a spot in the 2023 Cincinnati Reds bullpen will be one of the fiercest throughout the remainder of spring training.

Outside of Alexis Diaz and Lucas Sims, almost every other relief pitcher will be fighting tooth and nail in order to land a spot among the 26 players that leave Goodyear, Arizona bound for Cincinnati, Ohio later this month.

One such pitcher is Ian Gibaut. After a brief stint withe Cleveland Guardians in 2022 and a quick stop in LA with the Dodgers, Gibaut made his way to the Queen City last summer. Gibaut showed some promise, especially with his fastball, but this staggering stat will certainly keep him in consideration for a spot in the Reds bullpen.

Reds RHP Ian Gibaut has struck out every batter he's faced so far this spring.

Ian Gibaut has been lights out on the mound for the Cincinnati Reds through the first week of games in the Cactus League. Gibaut has taken the hill twice, including the game against the Oakland A's on Wednesday, and has struck out all six batters he's faced.

Last season, Gibaut made his Reds debut on July 7th. The right-hander totaled 33 outings with Cincinnati in 2022 after appearing in just one game for Cleveland. Gibaut pitched 34.2 innings of work for Redlegs and struck out 48 batters.

Gibaut struck out two or more batters in 18 of his 33 appearances and struck out three or more opposing hitters five times. Gibaut possesses some un-hittable stuff when he's on his game. Gibaut also keeps the ball in the ballpark and only surrendered three (0.8 HR/9) round trippers in 2022.

According to Baseball Savant, Ian Gibaut's fastball sat at about 96-mph in 2022. The 29-year-old would also serve up a 92-mph cutter. Gibaut's heater was his bread and butter last season, but his breaking ball worked quite well an induced a number of swings and misses.

Gibaut is out of minor league options, so if he's cut prior to Opening Day the right-hander will have to pass through waivers in order to be outrighted to Triple-A Louisville. Gibaut is off to the World Baseball Classic next week and will play for Team Great Britain. If, when he returns, those strikeouts stay consistent, Gibaut has a great chance to land on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster.