Reds spring training bullpen battle now includes two long shots worth watching

Cincinnati Reds spring training is just a few weeks away, and fans will inevitably have their eyes fixed on a number of position battles. The most intriguing is arguably the fight for final spot in the Reds starting rotation — one that's likely to include Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Brandon Williamson.

The Reds bullpen is also far from finalized, and there will be few spots up for grabs once pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear next month. Cincinnati recently announced a couple of free agent signings that could impact the bullpen battle, and both players have Major League experience.

The Reds signed right-handed pitcher Davis Daniel and left-handed reliever Anthony Misiewicz to minor-league deals. Misiewicz officially received an invite to spring camp, and Daniel is likely to receive one as well. Given the uncertainty in the Reds' pen heading into 2026, these two could be jockeying for the final spot on the Opening Day roster.

Reds spring training bullpen battle could come down to the wire

If everyone comes out of camp healthy, Emilio Pagán, Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan, Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguason, and Brock Burke will all be part of the Reds Opening Day roster. That leaves six spots up for grabs, though many fans believe Connor Phillips is already a lock a for a roster spot as well.

If that's the case, then Davis and Misiewicz will be engaged with the likes of Luis Mey, Zach Maxwell, and Sam Moll for that final spot in the Reds bullpen. Mey and Maxwell had varying success during their rookie campaigns last season, but both pitchers have command issues. Moll signed a one-year deal to avoid arbitration, but is coming off his worst season since joining the Reds back in 2022.

Davis has a dozen Major League appearances under his belt, with his most recent being a three-game stint with the Atlanta Braves in 2025. He's a soft-tossing righty who relies on weak contact. Misiewicz has over 100 big-league appearances on his résumé, and despite his low velocity, is still able to generate a lot of swing and miss.

There's always a surprise name or two that pops up once spring training gets underway, and both Davis or Misiewicz are looking turn a minor-league deal into a Major League opportunity with a strong showing in Arizona next month.