Reds cut ties with ex-Yankees pitcher as comeback effort implodes

The Cincinnati Reds signed former New York Yankees reliever Albert Abreu to a minor-league deal this past spring. The Reds fanbase held out hope that he'd break camp with the big-league ball club and make an impact coming out of the Cincinnati bullpen this season. Unfortunately, Abreu never recaptured the magic that led to his call-up in 2020 and, according to the minor-league transaction log, was released by the Reds released on Monday.

Abreu signed with Cincinnati shortly before spring training began and put up solid numbers during Cactus League play. After playing overseas with the Seibu Lions in 2024, Abreu returned stateside this year and posted a 1.50 ERA in six spring training appearances with the Reds.

But the strikeout numbers weren't there. Of the 27 batters Abreu faced this spring, he struck out just one, walked two, and allowed eight hits. He was assigned to Triple-A Louisville at the outset of the 2025 season with hopes of receiving a midseason call-up, but his inability to get swings and misses continued.

Reds cut ties with ex-Yankees pitcher Albert Abreu as comeback effort implodes

Abreu began the 2025 season on the restricted list, but was activated in mid-April. Since that time, he made 17 appearances out of the Bats' bullpen and induced a fair amount of ground balls. The right-hander owned an impressive 59.2% ground ball rate, but that was where the accolades stopped.

Abreu failed to command the strike zone. In 23 ⅓ innings pitched this season, Abreu walked nearly as many batters as he struck out. Given the 16 free passes, 18 punch outs, and 5.79 ERA, Reds fans can understand why the team finally decided to part ways with the former Yankees flameout. Abreu's best minor-league season came back in 2021 when he struck out over 43% of the batters he faced, but the 29-year-old was unable to duplicate that level of production this season.

There are other top-notch relievers on the Bats' roster who could receive a midseason call-up. Relievers like Yosver Zulueta, Luis Mey, and Joe La Sorsa have already made appearances this season. Reds fans are waiting to see top prospect Zach Maxwell make his MLB debut this season, and perhaps the return of the oft-injured Tejay Antone.

Just recently, the Reds added former Boston Red Sox reliever Brian Van Belle to the 40-man roster. It's quite possible that his addition made it possible for the Reds to thin the ranks a little, and Abreu was deemed expendable. If the right-hander hopes to continue his comeback bit, he'll have to do it with another organization.

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