Reds free agent signing reunites workhorse reliever with Terry Francona

The Cincinnati Reds added another reliever to the organization on Friday after agreeing to a minor-league deal with veteran right-handed pitcher Bryan Shaw. New Reds manager Terry Francona was Shaw's skipper for several seasons in Cleveland, and the 37-year-old will receive a non-roster invite to spring training.

Shaw has been an absolute workhorse during his major league career. During his 14 seasons in the league, Shaw has suited up for five different organizations (Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, and Seattle Mariners). During those 14 years in the league, Shaw has led MLB in appearances four separate times.

Reds free agent signing reunites workhorse reliever with Terry Francona

Shaw hasn't been a stalwart performer the past two seasons, however. After making 60 appearances for Cleveland in 2022, Shaw has combined to throw just 49 ⅔ innings the past two seasons with the White Sox. Shaw had a rather unsightly 4.53 ERA during that two-year stretch, but a 98 ERA+. Shaw has a five-pitch mix, including a cutter that sits in the low 90s.

During Shaw's seven-year run with Francona and the Guardians, the righty posted a 3.44 ERA with 456 punch outs over 494⅓ innings of work. Shaw made 60 or more appearances in each of his seven seasons in Cleveland.

This signing comes on the heels of some rather curious trade rumors involving Reds closer Alexis Díaz. While Shaw would not be considered for such a role, if Cincinnati does indeed trade Díaz in order to bolster another aspect of the roster, the Reds will need some added depth in the bullpen.

The Reds had been rather quiet on the relief front until Thursday. Cincinnati plucked Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Texas Rangers, and with the addition of Shaw, the Reds have added some healthy competition to a bullpen battle that's sure to ensue next February in Goodyear.

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