BREAKING: Cincinnati Reds sign reliever Josh Staumont to lucrative deal
Scott Barlow, a veteran of seven MLB seasons, has pitched in 365 games and recorded 58 career saves while playing for the Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, and Cleveland Guardians. In 2025, he is set to join the Cincinnati Reds.
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Barlow agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Reds on Tuesday. The right-hander has a career ERA+ of 127 and a 3.39 FIP but struggled last season with Cleveland, posting career lows in both categories (96 ERA+ and 4.02 FIP), largely due to an increase in his walk rate (5.1 BB/9 compared to a career average of 3.6 entering 2024).
Although never known for overpowering velocity, Barlow’s fastball averaged 95.3 mph in 2021 but dropped to just 91.6 mph last season. As a result, he has significantly reduced his fastball usage—from 37.1% in 2020 to just 20.5% last year—while increasing his reliance on a sinker (13.4% in 2024).
With a guaranteed contract in hand, Barlow joins a competitive Reds bullpen mix that already features Alexis Díaz, Taylor Rogers, Brent Suter, and Emilio Pagán as likely locks, with Tony Santillan and Sam Moll also strong candidates if healthy.
As noted by MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon, the Reds have yet to officially announce the signing and will need to clear a 40-man roster spot. That could be resolved as early as tomorrow, when players like Brandon Williamson or Julian Aguiar become eligible for the 60-day IL.
Another intriguing bullpen candidate is Josh Staumont, who signed a minor league deal with the Reds, including an invite to spring training. Barlow and Staumont were teammates in Kansas City, where Staumont collected eight saves between 2021-2022. However, like Barlow, his velocity has declined, dropping from a peak of 98.2 mph in 2020 to 94.1 mph last season with Minnesota, which coincided with a sharp drop in strikeouts (6.66 K/9 compared to a career average of 10.2).
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If Staumont can regain some velocity and improve his control, he could emerge as an intriguing bullpen option. The Reds’ coaching staff, led by pitching coach Derek Johnson, will evaluate his potential as pitchers and catchers report for spring training this week.
For once, the Reds have some bullpen depth to work with!