Reds dodge reunion nightmare as former pitcher signs with Red Sox

Let's face it, if you've been a Cincinnati Reds fan long enough, you know how much this ball club loves the familiar. Whether it's local players from the tristate area or retreads from other NL Central rivals, the Reds are comfortable with who they know.

But there's at least one familiar face who won't be back in Cincinnati next season, and that's Justin Wilson. The left-hander agreed to a major league deal with the Boston Red Sox, which will officially end his tenure with the Reds.

Wilson was one of only a few free agents the Reds lost to the open market this offseason. After posting a 5.59 ERA in 60 appearances out of the Reds' bullpen, it's unlikely that anyone throughout the fanbase will be shedding a tear as Wilson exits stage left. But there is another reliever Cincinnati should attempt to re-sign this offseason.

Reds dodge reunion nightmare as Justin Wilson signs with Red Sox, but should look to re-sign Buck Farmer

With Wilson off the market and no desire to re-sign Amed Rosario, the only reunion the Reds might look to pursue this offseason is Buck Farmer. The right-hander re-signed with Cincinnati last winter after a successful stint with the Reds in 2022 and 2023. Will the Reds look to bring Buck back for a fourth year in a row?

While they certainly should, Farmer's success in 2024 may raise the price just a bit. Farmer inked a one-year, $2.25 million deal last offseason, but he could likely double that this year. Farmer was a reliable piece of the Cincinnati relief corp in 2024 with a 3.04 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 61 appearances.

The Reds have already decided to bring back Brent Suter next season, and it would be wise for Cincinnati's front office to do the same with Farmer. During his three seasons in the Queen City, Farmer owns a 3.68 ERA and has averaged 64 innings pitched. That type of production and durability doesn't grow on trees.

While the Reds have pitching depth in the minors, re-signing Farmer to a one-year deal in the neighborhood of $5 million with a team-option for 2026 should be on Nick Krall's to do list this winter. Offseason signings will surely pick up rather soon, so this might be something the Reds want to take care of in short order.

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