Scott Barlow signing accompanies anticipated Reds roster move

Reports emerged earlier this week that the Cincinnati Reds were in agreement with free agent reliever Scott Barlow. The reports were confirmed on Thursday when the Reds made Barlow's signing official. The deal is worth $2.5 million and includes an option for the 2026 season.

With spring training now underway, the Reds were permitted to begin using the injured list, and that's exactly how Cincinnati cleared space on the 40-man roster. Julian Aguiar was placed on the 60-day IL. The rookie suffered an elbow injury late in 2024 that necessitated Tommy John surgery. Reds fans knew before camp opened that Aguiar would not see the field again until 2026.

Scott Barlow signing accompanies anticipated Reds roster move after Julian Aguiar lands on 60-day IL

Though expected, this is unfortunate news for Aguiar. The right-hander had slowly worked his way up through the Reds farm system and finally made it to The Show last season. In seven starts, Aguiar went 2-1 with a 6.25 ERA and struck out 19 batters in 31 ⅔ innings pitched. This after splitting time in the minor league between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville. Collectively Aguiar went 5-4 with a 3.79 ERA in just over 115 innings of work.

Brandon Williamson, who underwent Tommy John surgery himself last fall, will soon join Aguiar on the 60-day IL. At the moment, there's no need for the Reds to shift the left-hander to the injured list, but if Cincinnati were to make another roster move — signing Buck Farmer, perhaps — then moving Williamson to the 60-day IL would become necessary.

Without Aguiar and Williamson, the Reds may be forced to go with some of their young prospects later this season. Chase Burns and Chase Petty could join the rotation after the All-Star break if the situation warranted, with both Graham Ashcraft and Rhett Lowder options as well.

Barlow is expected to be featured at the backend of the Reds bullpen. He'll join the quartet of Alexis Díaz, Taylor Rogers, Sam Moll, and Emilio Pagán with Brent Suter, Tony Santillan, and others working in lower-leverage spots once the 2025 season gets underway.

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