BREAKING: Cincinnati Reds Receives unfortunate news that left fan devastated
The Reds made several roster cuts this morning, with veteran right-hander Bryan Shaw being the most notable. Shaw, 37, signed a minor league deal with Cincinnati in December, and while non-roster veterans often have opt-out clauses in their contracts, he does not qualify as an Article XX(B) free agent, meaning his contract doesn’t guarantee such options under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
Typically, veterans reassigned to minor league camp explore free agency rather than reporting to the minors with their current team. However, according to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon, Shaw has chosen to stay with the Reds and will report to Triple-A Louisville to start the season. Manager Terry Francona, who previously coached Shaw during his seven seasons in Cleveland, confirmed the decision.
“He wants to stay,” Francona told reporters via Sheldon. “He’s been pitching for 16 years, and I’ve seen him have springs like this before, then go out and throw in 81 games while facing tough lineups. This spring just wasn’t the right situation for him—he’s been inconsistent in the strike zone—but his stuff is still solid. We’re happy he’s willing to go to Triple-A because he can still contribute.”
Originally drafted in the second round by the Diamondbacks in 2008, Shaw debuted in the majors in 2011. Over 14 MLB seasons, he has logged 764 1/3 innings with a career 3.96 ERA (109 ERA+) and a 4.05 FIP. However, he has struggled in recent years, posting a 5.00 ERA with a 4.54 FIP across 108 innings with the Guardians and White Sox over the last three seasons. Last year, he made just five MLB appearances for Chicago before spending the remainder of 2025 at Triple-A Salt Lake in the Angels organization, where he recorded a respectable 4.14 ERA in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.
After an underwhelming spring in which he posted a 4.05 ERA in seven outings but issued more walks (9) than strikeouts (7), Shaw will begin the season in Triple-A. His decision to stay is beneficial for the Reds, who lack bullpen depth on the 40-man roster. While starters like Carson Spiers and Lyon Richardson could potentially shift to relief roles, Yosver Zulueta is the only true reliever on the 40-man roster not already expected to make the Opening Day bullpen. With injuries inevitable over a 162-game season, Shaw and other non-roster players at Triple-A could have opportunities to earn a spot on the big league roster as the season progresses.