Reds suddenly have a new bullpen option that makes too much sense

From the right-hand side, the Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen is formidable. Emilio Pagán, Tony Santillan, and Graham Ashcraft will handle the late innings and should find a fair amount of success, but in a high-leverage situation when the team needs a southpaw, Cincinnati’s options are few.

Caleb Ferguson will begin the 2026 season on the injured list, and left-hander Sam Moll barely making the Opening Day roster isn’t exactly a vote of confidence. Luckily, a crafty lefty with Ohio ties just hit the open market.

In the waning days of spring training, the Minnesota Twins released veteran reliever Andrew Chafin. The Collins, Ohio, native has been a valued bullpen piece even as he reaches his mid-30s. In fact, Chafin has gotten better as he has aged; over the past six seasons, he has posted a 133 ERA+ compared to a 122 ERA+ over the first six years of his career. In other words, he’s a perfect low-cost option to solidify an unbalanced Reds bullpen that could be further shaken up by Nick Lodolo’s injury.

Reds could use Andrew Chafin to help solve their bullpen problem

Chafin comes with a bit of a risk, which you may assume given the fact that the lowly Twins released him. He dealt with two injuries in 2025, limiting him to less than 35 innings for the first time since 2016 (not including the COVID season in 2020). He has seemed solid in spring training, though. Despite getting a late start after signing with Minnesota in mid-February, Chafin produced a 1.167 WHIP in six appearances.

Aside from Moll, the Reds’ options for left-handed bullpen relief are limited. Brent Suter walked in free agency (incidentally filling the gap that Chafin left with the Angels), and Brandon Williamson last threw a live-game pitch in the Majors in 2024.

Brock Burke could be the surprise go-to lefty, and he has potential. He had a left-on-base-rate of 81.1% last season, but he was hit hard this spring. Chafin would give Cincinnati another option in case of continued struggles by Burke, at least until Ferguson returns to action.

While Chafin might not be a dominant force, especially since his velocity was down this spring, there’s always room for a veteran presence on a young team. The Reds’ exciting pitching prospects are just around the corner. By all reports, Chafin would be an outstanding presence in the Reds’ system.