Reds continue to fortify bullpen after signing former Royals closer

The Cincinnati Reds have really beefed up their bullpen this winter. An area of concern upon entering the 2024-25 offseason, the Reds relief corps could well turn into the team's biggest strength heading into Opening Day.

On Tuesday, the Reds added former Kansas City Royals closer Scott Barlow to a one-year, $2.5 million contact (the deal is still pending a physical). After a six-year stint in KC, Barlow was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2023 and made 63 appearances out of the Cleveland Guardians bullpen in 2024.

Reds fortify bullpen after signing former KC Royals closer Scott Barlow

Barlow was a middle reliever early in major league career, but became the Royals closer in 2021. That season, the right-hander struck out 91 batters in 74 ⅓ innings of work while posting a 2.42 ERA. Barlow followed that up with a 24 save season in 2022 that saw him punch out 77 batters in 69 relief appearances.

For all intents and purposes, the Reds Opening Day bullpen is all but set in stone. If healthy, Barlow will join Alexis Díaz, Tony Santillan, Brent Suter, Sam Moll, Emilio Pagán, and Taylor Rogers. That eighth and final bullpen spot is up for grabs this spring, though a contingent of Reds fans are expecting to see Buck Farmer back in Goodyear later this month.

Add to the Reds depth the possibility that Nick Martinez — who'll undoubtedly open the season in the starting rotation — could transition into a relief role as the season extends into the dog's days of summer, and the Cincinnati bullpen is shaping up to be quite the force in the National League.

The Reds also signed right-hander Josh Staumont to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. The 31-year-old was also a member of the Royals organization earlier in his career, and posted a 3.70 ERA in 25 appearances with the Minnesota Twins last season. Staumont's deal includes an invite to spring training.

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