Scott Barlow’s bargain deal with the Athletics will test Reds’ faith in this reliever

Aside from reuniting with Eugenio Suárez, most of the Cincinnati Reds' focus this offseason was centered around beefing up the team's bullpen heading into the 2026 season. The Reds re-signed closer Emilio Pagán, traded for left-hander Brock Burke, and added veterans Pierce Johnson and Caleb Ferguson.

Though Burke and Ferguson will be key against left-handed hitters, Johnson has the biggest shoes to fill heading into the upcoming season. He'll be tasked with replacing Scott Barlow who just signed a one-year deal, $2 million deal with the Athletics last week. The Reds allowed Barlow to enter free agency earlier this offseason after declining his $6 million club-option for 2026.

Barlow had a strong showing in 2025. He was second on the team behind only Tony Santillan with 75 appearances and compiled a 4.21 ERA and stuck out 24.8% of the batters he faced. Barlow's ERA dramatically trailed off after the first half — going from a 3.81 ERA to a 4.91 ERA — and while walks have been his kryptonite for some time, he was a reliable force in the middle innings.

Pierce Johnson will be key for the Reds bullpen after losing Scott Barlow to the Athletics

Johnson, who signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Reds earlier this offseason, may not be quite as reliable as Barlow was, but his ceiling is much higher. The 34-year-old recorded a 2.91 ERA over 139 innings with the Atlanta Braves the past two and a half years, and has a 28.8% strikeout rate to boot.

The presence of Pagán and Santillan (and even Graham Ashcraft) virtually guarantee that Johnson won't have to pitch in many high-pressure moments late in games. Instead, he'll be asked to bridge the gap between the starter and the cadre of late-inning relievers. That type of ask shouldn't be an issue for the nine-year MLB vet. Johnson's velocity will something to keep an eye on, however. His four-seam fastball has seen a dip in velocity since the start of the 2023 season.

Johnson should be well equipped to handle the job Barlow just vacated and could play a key role in a retooled relief corps. His success could be crucial to the stability of the Reds' pitching staff.