REPORT: Reds sign former Yankees flamethrower to bolster bullpen depth
Nick Krall is on an impressive roll right now. The Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations has been active in making moves this week, and on Thursday morning, he added another signing. According to Robert Murray of FanSided, former New York Yankees pitcher Albert Abreu has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Reds, which includes an invitation to spring training.
Abreu didn’t pitch in the majors last season, instead spending time with the Seibu Lions in Japan’s bullpen. The right-hander posted a strong 2.39 ERA in 49 innings and will return to the U.S. to provide additional depth to Cincinnati’s relief pitching staff.
Reds sign former Yankees flamethrower Albert Abreu to minor-league contract as bullpen depth
The Reds made a big move on Wednesday, acquiring San Francisco Giants left-hander Taylor Rogers in a trade and also bringing in former reliever Ian Gibaut on a minor-league deal. After trading away Fernando Cruz, the Reds’ bullpen, which had been a major concern, has seen a significant upgrade in the past couple of days.
Albert Abreu, 29, brings over 100 games of major league experience to the Reds bullpen. He signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent in 2014 before being traded to the Yankees in 2016 as part of a package that included seven-time All-Star Brian McCann.
Abreu made his big league debut in 2020 during the pandemic-shortened season, appearing in just two games. He was later traded to the Texas Rangers for current Reds catcher José Treviño. Abreu bounced between the Yankees, Rangers, and Royals in 2022 before returning to the Bronx in 2023. He has 108 career MLB appearances with a 4.58 ERA.
With the addition of Abreu, there will be plenty of competition for the eight bullpen spots this spring. If healthy, Rogers, Alexis Díaz, Sam Moll, Tony Santillan, Brent Suter, and Emilio Pagán are all but guaranteed to make the active roster. The remaining two spots will be up for grabs, with Abreu competing against non-roster invitees Gibaut, Zach Maxwell, Bryan Shaw, Alex Young, Casey Legumina, Carson Spiers, and others.