Reds lose journeyman reliever but looming return gives fans real hope

According to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, relief pitcher Andrew Chafin has opted out of his minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. The veteran began the 2026 season as a member of the Louisville Bats bullpen and owned a 0.96 ERA through 10 relief appearances.

Chafin is once again a free agent, and though he could opt to re-sign with the Reds, that seems unlikely given the impending return of another veteran left-handed reliever.

Caleb Ferguson — who signed a one-year deal with Cincinnati this past offseason — is currently on a rehab assignment in the minor leagues. The southpaw was sidelined with an oblique injury to begin the year, but once he gets a few more appearances under his belt, the Reds coaching staff expects him to give the team's bullpen a much needed boost.

Reds lose Andrew Chafin, but Caleb Ferguson should be back soon

Ferguson began his minor-league rehab assignment last week and has tossed two innings for the Chattanooga Lookouts. He's faced eight total batters so far and has allowed one earned run — a home run — while striking out three and walking just one.

Ferguson missed almost all of spring training, so he'll need more than just two appearances with the Reds' Double-A affiliate. Fans can likely expect the Reds to move his rehab assignment to Triple-A Louisville in order for him to face a higher quality of opponent.

The Reds bullpen has seen a lot player movement over the past few days. Graham Ashcraft was placed on the bereavement list recently, but has since returned to the active roster. Right-hander Pierce Johnson is currently on the bereavement list, and Brandon Williamson's IL stint has allowed Cincinnati to carry an extra reliever for the past several days.

The Reds are planning to activate Chase Petty ahead of the series opener against the Chicago Cubs, so it's likely that one of Zach Maxwell or Luis Mey will be optioned back to Triple-A Louisville.

Losing Chafin to free agency stings a bit, but the Reds didn't have a spot for him on their 40-man roster. Furthermore, adding the 35-year-old would've given Cincinnati four left-handed arms in their bullpen — something few if any teams ever carry.

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