Reds watch Brent Suter sign elsewhere as reunion dream quietly dies

Over the past two seasons, Brent Suter was able to live out his boyhood dream of playing for his hometown team. He signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds ahead of the 2024 season, and then re-upped with the club in 2025. But Suter won't make it three years in a row after it was announced that he's nearing a deal with the Los Angeles Angels.

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Suter is set to sign a Major League with the Angels and will bring a much needed left-handed presence to the Halos' bullpen. This will be Suter's fourth Major League stop after spending time with the Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, and Colorado Rockies.

The Reds declined Suter's $3 million club-option earlier this winter, preferring instead to pay the $250,000 buyout. But while the two sides parted company at the outset of the offseason, it always felt as though a reunion was possible. Suter loved playing for his hometown team, and the veteran brought a level of experience and leadership to an extremely young Reds clubhouse.

Former Reds reliever Brent Suter set to sign Major League deal with Angels

Suter was 2-2 with a 3.85 ERA in 95 appearances for the Reds over the past two seasons. He was reliable middle reliever and also logged six starts as an opener. Suter was willing to take the ball under any condition, in any situation, and that's a rare quality in today's game when so many players are locked into very specialized roles.

After declining Suter's option, the Reds brought in two left-handers to help offset the loss. Columbus, Ohio native Caleb Ferguson is expected to cover the middle innings, while former Angels' reliever Brock Burke will likely get the bulk of duty in high-leverage situations. A reunion would Suter would've been a fun story, but it's safe to say that both Ferguson and Burke offer much more upside.

Suter's absence will leave a void in the Reds clubhouse. Known for his quirky humor and hilarious celebrity impressions, Suter was the Reds nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award last season and was always heavily involved in charitable events throughout the Cincinnati community. He now has a ticket to Hollywood where he might have a chance meet some of those celebrities he so often mimics.