Reds News: Offseason addition DFA'd, Cincy reunites with key reliever on MiLB deal

The Reds had to make a corresponding move.

Texas Rangers pitcher Owen White
Texas Rangers pitcher Owen White | Sam Hodde/GettyImages

The Cincinnati Reds have been busy the past two days. While the Austin Hays signing has not yet been made official, all signs point to that deal being completed in the coming days. The Reds also signed Wade Miley to a minor-league deal with the expectation that the veteran lefty will be back on the mound sometime in May.

But the big news coming out of Cincinnati on Wednesday was a trade with the San Francisco Giants that sent reliever Taylor Rogers to the Queen City. The 34-year-old posted a 2.40 ERA in 2024, and has made 60 or more relief appearances the past three seasons. The Reds also receive $6 million as part of the deal, and in return, San Fran acquired minor-league pitcher Braxton Roxby.

Reds News: Owen White DFA'd to clear roster spot for Taylor Rogers following trade with SF Giants

Prior to the trade, the Reds roster was sitting at 40, which meant that a corresponding move was needed to made in order to clear a spot for Rogers. The Reds chose to designate Owen White for assignment. The right-hander was traded to the Reds earlier this offseason in a deal with the Texas Rangers.

White was ticketed to begin the year at Triple-A Louisville, and may remain with the organization if he goes unclaimed. The Reds now have a short window to trade or release the former second-round pick, but he could also be outrighted to the Louisville Bats. Once Hays' signing is complete, Cincinnati will have to jettison another player from the team's 40-man roster.

Reds News: Ian Gibaut signs minor-league deal with invite to spring training

After an injury-plagued season in 2024, the Reds chose to release Ian Gibaut after the season. Gibaut was saddled with multiple injuries that kept him off the active roster until the final month of the season. He totaled just two innings of work and allowed one run on three hits.

But FanSided's Robert Murray is reporting that Gibaut will be making his way back to Goodyear next month after securing a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Gibaut was a key member of the Reds' 2023 bullpen, logging 75 ⅔ innings of work with a 3.33 ERA and 69 strikeouts.

The Reds bullpen was an area of concern heading into the offseason, and after trading away fireman Fernando Cruz, many of the Cincinnati faithful were beginning to question the team's offseason strategy. But the recent additions of Rogers and Gibaut brings some veteran leadership to the backend of the bullpen, and certainly gives a boost to the relief corps heading into spring training.

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