Reds’ most overlooked addition is delivering value no one expected

When the Cincinnati Reds signed Scott Barlow to a one-year deal this past offseason, few fans expected much more than a middling reliever who might give the team some length in the early stages of the 2025 season, only to be DFA'd midway through the year in favor of young hurler like Zach Maxwell.

After all, Barlow was coming off a rather ineffective stint with the Cleveland Guardians in which he made 63 appearances, and though his strikeout numbers were solid (28.2% K-rate), the 12.9% walk-rate stuck out like a sore thumb. Barlow owned a 4.25 ERA with the Guardians in 2024 and a 1.364 WHIP.

Barlow is still walking batters in 2025 (14.3% walk-rate), but the right-hander has done a great job of keeping opposing batters off balance. After allowing the opposition to hit .214 last season, opponents are only able to touch up Barlow to the tune of .161 this season. Barlow's 1.181 WHIP is his best since 2022 with the Kansas City Royals when he made 69 appearances, recorded 24 saves, and posted a 188 ERA+.

Reds’ reliever Scott Barlow is delivering value no one expected

Graham Ashcraft, prior to hitting the injured list wilt a groin strain, had been struggling in recent weeks, and Reds manager Terry Francona is beginning to rely more and more on the right arm of Barlow in key moments. Barlow was roughed up in Detroit last week — allowing two runs in ⅓ inning of a work, but otherwise has been stellar for the better part of a month.

Since May 18, Barlow owns a 2.08 ERA and 1.99 FIP while striking out 16 batters in 13 innings of work. He's also kept the ball inside the ballpark, and hasn't allowed a home run since May 14 against the Chicago White Sox.

The backend of the Reds bullpen is set with the duo of Emilo Pagán and Tony Santillan gathering the majority of opportunities in the eighth and ninth innings when Cincinnati has the lead. But with Ashcraft on the IL, Barlow has been getting some increased looks in high-leverage situations and could be on Francona's shortlist if Pagán or Santillan need some added rest.

Though Barlow is unlikely to usurp Pagán as the Reds closer, fans shouldn't be surprised to see the free agent addition in crucial moments over the next couple of weeks. Barlow is a former closer with 58 career saves and is no stranger to big moments late in games.

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