The Cincinnati Reds have taken a significant step to bolster their bullpen by reportedly agreeing to terms with left-handed pitcher Caleb Ferguson, an Ohio native from Columbus. With this addition, the team aims to address one of its most pressing needs this offseason. Prior to Ferguson’s signing, the only lefty in the Reds’ relief corps was Sam Moll, leaving them in need of a more balanced pitching staff.
General Manager Nick Krall has been focused on strengthening the bullpen and had previously secured the returning closer Emilio Pagán. The current setup features Pagán, Tony Santillan, and Graham Ashcraft, providing a solid foundation for the late innings. However, finding reliable bridge options had been a challenge for the Reds throughout the offseason.
Ferguson, who spent the previous season with both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners, posted an overall 3.58 ERA and recorded 51 strikeouts over 65 innings. The signing is contingent upon passing a physical examination, but it signals a much-needed enhancement to the Reds’ left-handed relief options.
At just 29 years old, Ferguson made a notable 70 appearances last season. While he may not have overpowering speed, he excels at limiting hard contact—an attribute that has been a quest for the Reds’ front office in recent years. Last season, Ferguson ranked among the best in the majors regarding barrel rate, average exit velocity, and hard-hit rate, showing his effectiveness at keeping hitters in check, particularly at Great American Ball Park.
Ferguson’s durability is another asset; he has logged 200 appearances and pitched 180 innings since 2023, maintaining a 3.85 ERA during that stretch. However, there are concerns about his performance against right-handed hitters, as they managed a .263 batting average against him last season. In contrast, he displayed dominance against lefties with an impressive .181 average allowed. With the implementation of the three-batter minimum rule, Reds manager Terry Francona will need to strategize Ferguson’s deployment carefully to maximize his effectiveness.
As Cincinnati fans eagerly anticipate further moves before the Christmas holiday, the signing of Caleb Ferguson represents a positive and strategic development. While this addition is a step in the right direction, the Reds still face various gaps in their roster that need to be addressed as they work to enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming season.