Reds could solve a bullpen problem with former Braves lefty who just hit free agency

If the Cincinnati Reds fail to re-sign Brock Burke before the MLB offseason officially begins, they'll have no left-handed relievers remaining on the 40-man roster. The Reds traded Caleb Ferguson to the St. Louis Cardinals at the August 1 deadline, and designated Sam Moll for assignment just last month.

But left-hander Bailey Falter just elected free agency after ending the 2026 season with the Atlanta Braves. The 29-year-old has made numerous stops throughout his Major League career, including stays with the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Kansas City Royals.

This past season was a forgettable one for Falter, who began the year with a 13.97 ERA through five outings in Kansas City. He covered just under 10 innings for the Royals and allowed 15 runs on 24 hits while only striking out six. That performance resulted in a DFA, but Falter cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Royals' Triple-A affiliate.

He was later traded, along with outfielder Lane Thomas, to the Braves at the deadline. Atlanta immediately assigned him to Triple-A Gwinnett, and the southpaw regained some semblance of the form he had during the previous two seasons. In seven minor league games, he went 10⅔ innings while allowing just six hits and no earned runs. He struck out 11 batters along the way and issued just two free passes.

Reds could sign former Braves pitcher Bailey Falter to a minor-league deal

The Reds will need to find some low-budget bargains this offseason, and adding Falter seems like as good an idea as any. From 2024-2025, he appeared in 54 games, including 52 starts, and owned a 4.44 ERA and 4.86 FIP. Falter is not a strikeout artist — his fastball typically sits in the low-90s. Instead, he relies on a vast array of pitches and tremendous extension to deceive the opposition.

The Reds not only need some extra lefties in the bullpen, but they could certainly use a bulk arm like Falter's. Cincinnati missed Nick Martinez's versatility in 2026, and finding a pitcher who can offer length out of the bullpen and occasionally act as a starting pitcher, would be a great asset for the Reds next season.

If the Reds decide to pass on Falter, they should still be on the lookout for inexpensive left-handers and some added depth to help them get through the 2027 season. Hunter Greene is slated to miss next season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and all signs point to Brady Singer leaving via free agency. It's time to restock the cupboard.

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