Reds' 2025 Opening Day bullpen begins to take shape after trading away Fernando Cruz

The Cincinnati Reds’ decision to trade Fernando Cruz for much-needed backup catcher Jose Trevino threw the bullpen into a bit of disarray. After all, Cruz was a do-it-all type of arm in 2024. He served as an opener, a middle relief option, a setup man, and came in to finish six games. As the calendar turns to 2025 and spring rolls around, the Reds will be looking to under-the-radar names on the 40-man roster to step up.

In addition to Cruz, the Reds need to replace the 194 innings that were contributed by Justin Wilson, Jakob Junis, Buck Farmer, and Lucas Sims last season, all of whom departed either via trades or free agency. This quartet includes two long relief options (Farmer and Junis), a late-game go-to (Sims), and a lefty specialist (Wilson). This variety opens up a number of pathways for longshots to make the Opening Day roster.

The Reds’ bullpen scramble could pay off for a number of under-the-radar players

As of now, Alexis Díaz is locked in as the Reds’ closer, and Sam Moll, Emilio Pagán, and Brent Suter will likely function in similar roles to last year: middle-relief lefty, high-leverage setup man, and low-leverage middle relief, respectively. That leaves four spots up for grabs.

While prospect Zach Maxwell could be an enticing option to replace Cruz as a setup man, he is not yet on the Reds’ 40-man roster, which could make his case that much more difficult. That said, the roster currently stands at 39, and Julian Aguiar and Brandon Williamson will make space once they are officially added to the 60-day IL while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Maxwell could be the first man to snap up one of those spots. Imagine him firing bullets in the seventh to make way for Pagán and then Díaz.

Of the names currently on the roster, Casey Legumina has a legitimate shot at sticking with a strong spring. The right-hander can work multiple innings per game and has made great improvements in his control. Over his cups of coffee in 2023 and 2024, he pitched much better than his raw numbers indicate, and with time to get acclimated to the majors, he could step into a Farmer-esque role and eat innings in low-leverage scenarios.

With one long relief spot open, Graham Ashcraft could find his place in the Reds picture. He has been plagued with injuries as a starter, but a shift to the bullpen could revitalize his once-promising career.

The bullpen still has one hole: a mid-to-high-leverage middle reliever. Tony Santillan could fit the bill if he stays healthy, but the Reds would probably be better off pursuing one more signing before spring training begins.

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