Reds have compelling reunion opportunity after Athletics roster moves

Scott Barlow was one of Terry Francona's most reliable relievers last season. The veteran right-hander joined the Cincinnati Reds on a one-year deal during the 2024-25 offseason, and made 75 appearances out of the bullpen. Barlow was just designated for assignment by the Athletics, and should be on the Reds' radar given the current state of the bullpen.

Barlow was an absolute workhorse for Francona last season in Cincinnati. After spending most of his Major League career as a closer for the Kansas City Royals, he took on a lesser role with the Reds in 2025. Barlow's 75 appearances were second only to Tony Santillan (80) and he covered 68⅓ innings while posting a 4.21 ERA.

Barlow joined the A's this past winter on a $2 million deal, though stats this season are hardly worth a waiver claim. Some of his numbers, however, can surely be attributed to pitching at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. He's appeared in 36 games and has two saves, but a 6.48 ERA, 1.350 WHIP, and just 29 punch outs over 33⅓ innings isn't worthy of a spot on the Reds' 40-man roster.

If Barlow clears waivers, however, Cincinnati should definitely make a play to bring him back on a minor-league deal. The Reds have been yo-yo'ing pitchers up and down I-71 all season, and adding Barlow to the mix certainly couldn't hurt.

Reds should attempt to reunite with Scott Barlow on a minor-league deal

If Barlow signs a minor-league contract, is outrighted to Triple-A, and proves that he can't hack it anymore, the Reds will have lost nothing. But, if he agrees to return to the organization and can continue to effectively eat innings like he did last season, Cincinnati could have a valuable commodity for a very low price.

The Reds bullpen has been the club's Achilles heel this season, though things are likely to improve with the expected returns of Pierce Johnson and Emilio Pagán. Johnson is expected to be activated ahead of the Reds' series against the Milwaukee Brewers, and Pagán could soon be sent out on a rehab assignment after suffering a hamstring strain in early-May.

But as Reds fans know all too well, you can never have enough pitching. Barlow shouldn't be counted upon as a savior, but at the very least he could add some depth in the minor leagues.

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