BREAKING: Reds bolster 2025 bullpen with veteran lefty in bizarre trade with heated rival

The Cincinnati Reds have been making moves recently, adding outfielder Austin Hays on a one-year contract earlier this week and reuniting with former pitcher Wade Miley. Their latest acquisition comes through a trade with the San Francisco Giants.

In the deal, the Reds sent pitching prospect Braxton Roxby to the Giants in exchange for reliever Taylor Rogers. The left-handed Rogers had an impressive season in San Francisco, posting a strong 2.40 ERA over 64 appearances. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Reds designated Owen White for assignment.

Reds add former All-Star reliever Taylor Rogers in trade with SF Giants

Taylor Rogers, who signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Giants in 2023, has one year and $12 million left on his contract. As part of the trade, the Giants are also sending money to the Reds. Rogers, a University of Kentucky alum, has pitched over 110 innings for the Giants in the past two seasons, posting a solid 131 ERA+.

This trade raises some eyebrows, not because the Reds are interested in Rogers, but because San Francisco traded him for such a modest return. Braxton Roxby, the player sent to the Giants, isn’t widely known. The 25-year-old went undrafted and was available in the most recent Rule 5 Draft, but no team selected him.

Over three seasons in the minors, Roxby holds a 9-10 record with a 4.30 ERA in 130 appearances. His 39 outings at Double-A Chattanooga saw him post a lackluster 5.21 ERA, though he struck out 65 batters in 48⅓ innings. While his 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings is impressive, his 4.5 walks per nine and 1.510 WHIP leave room for improvement.

With Rogers added to the bullpen, Reds manager Terry Francona now has several reliable arms for high-leverage situations. Rogers will join lefty Sam Moll and veteran Emilio Pagán, providing more depth to help set up closer Alexis Díaz. This is a great acquisition for Reds general manager Nick Krall and the front office.