Reds finally sign reliever they never should've let go

Buck Farmer is back where he belongs. According to FanSided's, the Cincinnati Reds signed Buck Farmer to a minor-league deal. The right-hander had been part of the Reds organization from 2022-2024 and was thought by many to be a surefire candidate to re-sign with the club this past offseason.

That didn't happen, and instead, Farmer inked a deal with his hometown Atlanta Braves prior to spring training. But after a short stint in the Braves' minor-league system, Farmer was cut loose and then signed on with the Los Angeles Angels. The veteran didn't last long there either, and will now attempt to make his big league return with the Reds.

Farmer was with Cincinnati in 2022 and became a key member of the Reds bullpen. He signed back-to-back one-year deals and over his three-year tenure with the Reds posted a 3.82 ERA and struck out 194 batters over 193 innings pitched. Farmer was a warrior during the 2023 season when he made 71 appearances and logged 75 innings of work.

Reds finally sign Buck Farmer after letting him go this past offseason

Farmer has not found much success in the minor leagues this season, so there's definitely reasons to believe that this deal won't work out. The right-hander has made 17 minor league appearances between Triple-A Gwinnett and Triple-A Salt Lake. Combined, Farmer owns a 9.72 ERA 2.040 FIP. He has 18 punch outs over 16 ⅔ innings of work, but the 11 walks are concerning. Farmer will no doubt head to Triple-A Louisville where the coaching staff will attempt to get him back on track.

Farmer didn't have tremendous success with the Detroit Tigers earlier in his career, but after arriving in Cincinnati, the righty experienced a renaissance of sorts. Farmer's final season with the Tigers saw him post a 6.37 ERA in 36 outings, leading many Reds fans to fear what his stats would look like in Great American Ball Park. But Farmer, after an early-season demotion in 2022, returned with a vengeance and put up a 2.83 ERA over 35 innings after returning to the active roster in July.

Farmer gives the Reds some Major League experience and increased depth in the minors, and fans shouldn't be surprised if he gets a chance to make an impact later this season.

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