Reds quietly bring back injured pitcher in move that hints at long-term plans

Carson Spiers has been bounced around for the past few days, but it appears he's finally settled into a new home. Ironically, it was also his old home. After being designated for assignment, and then non-tendered, Spiers agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds that will include an invite to spring training.

This was always the most likely outcome after Spiers was removed from the Reds' 40-man roster. Many of the aforementioned moves were simply procedural and they eventually resulted in Spiers' return to the only organization he's ever played for.

The move, however, comes with the caveat that Spiers is unlikely to take the field in 2026. The right-hander made the Reds Opening Day roster last season, but was then optioned to Triple-A barely a week into the season. He was recalled 10 days later, and then suffered a shoulder injury that kept him out of action into the middle of the summer.

Reds re-sign pitcher Carson Spiers despite his questionable availability for the 2026 season

Spiers began a rehab assignment in July, but suffered another injury — this time it was to his UCL. Spiers underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this year, and it's doubtful that he'll pitch in 2026. Still, the Reds thought highly enough of Spiers to extend the olive branch and offer him the chance to rehab in a familiar setting with hopes of seeing him back on the mound at some point in the near future.

This is nothing new for the Reds. Cincinnati's front office offered Tejay Antone a similar courtesy over the years, and just recently re-signed him to a minor-league pact with an invite to join the team in Goodyear next spring. Antone underwent Tommy John surgery for a third time back in 2024, and will attempt to land a role in the Reds bullpen next season.

Spiers made three appearances in 2025, covering 13⅓ innings while striking out 11 batters and posting a 6.08 ERA. Pitching depth is essential in today's game, and the Reds know what they have in Spiers. Much like Antone, the Reds are hoping Spiers can return to the pitcher he was previously in order to help add some insurance to a bullpen that's already suffered numerous losses this offseason.