Reds Sign Veteran Starter to Bolster Rotation Depth

Paddack, 30, is a former top prospect who has been a reliable back-end starter when healthy. He had an impressive rookie season with the San Diego Padres in 2019, posting a 3.33 ERA and 9.8 K/9 rate over 140.2 innings. Since then, the right-hander has tossed 471.2 big league innings but has not been able to replicate the same success.

Over the past seven seasons, Paddack has posted a 5.23 ERA while appearing for four different clubs. He missed much of 2022 and 2023 due to Tommy John surgery, and in 2024, his season was shortened by a forearm strain. In 2025, however, he pitched a career-high 158 innings while splitting the year between the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers.

Paddack signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Marlins at the start of spring training but had a short leash after a difficult start to the regular season. In seven appearances (six starts), he went 0-5 with a 7.63 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. He notably struggled to work deep into games with Miami, completing five innings only once.

Cincinnati’s rotation depth has been decimated by multiple early-season injuries. In March, Reds ace Hunter Greene underwent elbow surgery that is expected to sideline him until July. Brandon Williamson was transferred to the 60-day IL last week with left shoulder fatigue, and now Rhett Lowder is sidelined with a shoulder issue of his own.

Paddack has allowed 51 home runs over the past three seasons, which is a concerning trend for any pitcher who calls Great American Ball Park home. That said, the Reds are hopeful the eight-year veteran can turn things around and provide stability to their rotation.

“He had a tough time in Florida,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. “One, we need a pitcher. The hope is that he catches fire and gives us some help because we’ve all seen that happen.”