The Cincinnati Reds bullpen pitched much better than they were expected to in 2023. They also pitched much more than they should be expected to, moving forward. While the Reds have some key returners in the bullpen, they also need some reinforcements.
The Reds should have money to spend this offseason which means two, or even three bullpen arms should be looked at on the free agent market. If the Reds get these guys, the bullpen will enter next season as a bonafide strength.
Nick Martinez, RHP - Spotrac Market Value $8,990,047 Average Annual Value
Martinez pitched well for the San Diego Padres in multiple roles in 2023. He tossed 110 1/3 innings over 63 appearances and even made nine starts and recorded a save. Suffice it to say, he was a Swiss-army knife for the Padres pitching staff. He had a 3.43 ERA and forcing ground balls was his forte. Martinez had a ground ball rate of 53.8% last season. That would easily be the best on a Reds pitching staff that did not do a good job of keeping the ball on the ground.
UPDATE: The Reds Signed Martinez on Dec 1.
Matt Moore, LHP - Spotrac Market Value $3,389,399 AAV
Moore has been in the big leagues since 2011 but has been a full time reliever only since 2022. For the first 10 yers of Moore’s career he was a starter with mixed results but since moving to the bullpen full time has become a dude. Since the beginning of 2022, Moore has a 2.20 ERA in 126 2/3 innings. He had a very tidy 6.9% walk rate last year which would be music to the ears of Reds fans. Reds relief pitchers walked 10.8% of the batters they faced last year. Moore’s only concern is he is not a big time grand ball pitcher, sporting just a 35% ground ball rate last year.
Phil Maton, RHP - Spotrac Market Value $4,059,423 AAV
Maton is coming off a pretty good season for the Astros. He had a 3.00 ERA in 66 innings and struck out better than 10 per nine innings. In fact, Maton has a K/9 of greater than 10 for the last four seasons. His walk rate could come down slightly, but it is still below 10%. His ground ball rate would slightly improve the bullpen, though not to the level of Martinez. He pitched in huge games for the Astros these past two seasons, though, and would be a valuable addition to an inexperienced pitching staff.
Of you could combine what you pay all three of those guys and sign Josh Hader. Though I tend to believe the Reds need quantity here.
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