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Reds' new reliever Scott Barlow has entered spring training with a renewed sense of confidence, having rediscovered his lost velocity during an intensive offseason. Once averaging 95 mph on his four-seam fastball and 96 mph on his sinker in 2021, Barlow experienced a gradual decline, culminating in averages around 91 mph during his time with the Guardians in 2024. This drop in velocity was a source of frustration for Barlow, especially as he felt physically fit. Despite the dip, Barlow maintained a respectable 4.25 ERA and 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings last season, showcasing his ability to limit hard contact.
However, a late-season slump, marked by an 8.49 ERA and increased walk rate over his final 13 games, led to his release by the Guardians in September. Barlow's offseason work focused on regaining his previous velocity, and early spring training results indicate a positive trend. This resurgence provides a significant boost to the Reds' bullpen, as they look to capitalize on Barlow's experience and rediscovered form. His ability to generate strikeouts and limit hard contact, combined with his increased velocity, positions him as a potentially valuable asset for the Reds' pitching staff.
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The Cincinnati Reds revealed that Spencer Steer underwent an evaluation from team doctors today, leading to his decision to receive a cortisone injection in his right shoulder, as reported by Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer among others. Consequently, Steer was scratched from the lineup for the Reds’ Spring Training game and will be sidelined for a few days as the shot takes effect. The move reflects a proactive step to address a nagging issue that has persisted since last season, with the team and Steer aiming to ensure his readiness for the regular season.
Steer has described the problem as a tweak in his right shoulder that flares up when he prepares to throw, though he’s been quick to note that it doesn’t affect his hitting. Still, the injury raises questions about its potential impact on his performance, particularly given the noticeable decline between his 2023 and 2024 seasons. In 2023, Steer posted a robust .271/.356/.464 slash line with 23 home runs across 665 plate appearances, but his production dipped to .225/.319/.402 with 20 homers in 656 plate appearances in 2024. While the shoulder issue may not fully explain the drop-off, its lingering presence could be a factor the Reds will monitor closely as Steer works toward a bounce-back year. The office of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is currently reviewing a petition from Pete Rose’s family to remove the late baseball legend from the league’s ineligible list, as reported by ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. Rose, who died in September at 83, has been the subject of renewed attention following his passing. According to Van Natta, the petition was formally submitted on January 8, stemming from a December 17 discussion between Rose’s daughter, Fawn, the family’s attorney, and the commissioner’s office. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate surrounding Rose’s legacy and his ban from baseball due to gambling violations.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, President Donald Trump weighed in on Rose’s case late last night, hinting at a potential posthumous pardon in the coming weeks, according to Qasim Nauman and Michael S. Schmidt of the New York Times. While such a pardon would address Rose’s 1990 federal prison sentence for filing false tax returns—a five-month term—it would not directly impact his standing with Major League Baseball. The timing of Trump’s comments, reported this morning, underscores the intersection of sports, law, and politics in Rose’s story, though the final decision on his baseball eligibility remains in the hands of Commissioner Manfred and MLB. After a year away from the dugout, Terry Francona savored the simple pleasures of sleeping in and debating a second cup of coffee before tackling the crossword puzzle. But when the Cincinnati Reds called him back to managing in October 2024, the transition to predawn wake-ups for spring training felt like a homecoming. “My mind went right back into baseball, and it kind of feels good,” Francona said early in his first camp with the Reds. The 65-year-old, who turns 66 in April, finds unmatched comfort at the ballpark, a place he’s known since childhood as the son of a major leaguer and a 1980 first-round draft pick. “There’s no place on this earth I’m more comfortable,” he added, embracing his return to the game.
Francona’s year off proved essential after a grueling 11 seasons with Cleveland, where health issues—including a shoulder replacement and double hernia surgery—forced him to step away at the end of 2023. Having previously missed chunks of the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he admitted, “Physically, I was so beat up that it starts to become mental, and you start, it wears on you.” Now rejuvenated, the two-time World Series champ and three-time Manager of the Year feels ready to lead again. Cincinnati, hungry for its first playoff series win in three decades, banks on Francona’s 1,950 career victories—second only to Bruce Bochy among active managers—to turn the tide, and he’s eager to meet the challenge with the patience and passion he knows the job demands. President Donald Trump revealed on Friday his intention to grant a pardon to Pete Rose, the late baseball legend known for holding the record for the most hits in Major League history. In a post on Truth Social, Trump lambasted Major League Baseball for excluding Rose from the Hall of Fame due to his gambling activities, arguing that the punishment was unjust. Rose, who passed away last year at 83, was banned for life from the sport after admitting in 2004 to betting on games—though he insisted he never wagered against his own team. Despite his plea for reinstatement, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred denied Rose’s request in 2015.
“Over the next few weeks I will be signing a complete pardon of Pete Rose, who shouldn’t have been gambling on baseball, but only bet on his team winning,” Trump wrote. “He never betted against himself, or the other team. He had the most hits, by far, in baseball history, and won more games than anyone in sports history.” While Trump highlighted Rose’s on-field achievements and framed the pardon as a correction of an overly harsh penalty, he did not clarify the specific scope of the pardon. Rose’s legal troubles also included a five-month prison sentence in 1990 after pleading guilty to tax evasion, leaving some ambiguity about what the pardon might address. The Cincinnati Reds have made several moves to strengthen their pitching staff this offseason, including extending a qualifying offer to Nick Martinez, acquiring Brady Singer from the Royals, and bringing back veteran southpaw Wade Miley, who is finishing up rehab from Tommy John surgery. However, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray, the Reds are still looking to add more arms to their rotation. The club is considering signing a player on a minor league deal or a non-roster invite to camp, though a major league deal for one of the remaining free agent pitchers is also a possibility.
In addition to these efforts, the Reds are managing some challenges with their current roster. Left-hander Andrew Abbott and top prospect Rhett Lowder are both behind schedule in spring training. Abbott is on a slower buildup after his 2024 season was cut short by a shoulder strain, while Lowder experienced elbow soreness during his offseason throwing program last month. The Reds are hoping to address these issues and ensure they have sufficient depth in their pitching rotation for the upcoming season. Graham Ashcraft enters this year's Spring Training with a different set of expectations. In the past two seasons, he was a lock for the rotation as part of the Reds' young "Big Three" starting pitcher trio alongside Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. However, following a series of injuries and inconsistent performances, Ashcraft now finds himself needing to earn his place in the rotation and on the roster.
Determined to prove his worth, Ashcraft is approaching camp with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. "I’m coming into camp healthy and strong, and I’m just going to compete, and wherever it ends up, it ends up," Ashcraft said. Acknowledging the possibility of transitioning to a relief role if necessary, he emphasized that his primary focus is on what’s best for the team. "It’s not really about what I want. It’s about what’s best for the team. If they view me going into the bullpen as something better than me starting, then I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do." Gavin Lux arrived at Reds camp ready to showcase his versatility, bringing along multiple gloves to prepare for various positions. Embracing his role as a utility player, Lux demonstrated his commitment to contributing wherever needed on the field. His proactive approach highlights his willingness to adapt and take on new challenges, making him a valuable asset for the team.
"I’ve got three gloves—one for third base, one for second base, and one for the outfield," Lux shared. This preparedness underscores his dedication to being ready for any situation and showcases his flexibility in handling different roles. As the Reds evaluate their roster for the upcoming season, Lux's adaptability and readiness to play multiple positions will undoubtedly be a significant advantage. Reds manager Terry Francona has a clear message for his veteran players regarding the use of ABS challenges during spring training: save them for the younger guys. Francona explained his reasoning, stating, "I'm OK with seeing our younger kids do it because they've done it. It's not a strategy for [the MLB teams], so why work on it? I don't want to make a farce of anything, but we're here getting ready for a season and that's not helping us get ready." He emphasized that the focus should be on preparing for the regular season, not experimenting with a challenge system that won't be a factor in actual games.
Francona's approach highlights the different priorities between veteran and younger players in spring training. While younger players might benefit from experience with the ABS challenge system, veterans are better served focusing on refining their core skills and building chemistry with their teammates. The Reds manager clearly wants to avoid any distractions that could detract from the team's overall preparation, prioritizing the long-term goal of a successful season over short-term experimentation with a rule that won't be in play when it counts. The Cincinnati Reds have designated right-hander Owen White for assignment to make room for newly acquired left-hander Taylor Rogers from the Giants.
White, 25, has never played for the Reds. Drafted by the Rangers, he spent his entire career there until being designated for assignment last month. The Reds picked him up in early January for cash considerations but have now quickly removed him from the roster. He will be in DFA limbo for a week, during which the Reds will explore trade options or pass him through waivers. Rogers, 34, posted a 2.40 ERA in 64 appearances last season with the Giants. The Reds hope he will bolster their bullpen for the upcoming season The San Francisco Giants have acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Braxton Roxby from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers and cash considerations.
Roxby, 25, has shown potential in the minors and could be a valuable addition to the Giants' bullpen. Meanwhile, the Reds add experienced lefty Taylor Rogers to bolster their relief corps The Reds have agreed to terms with free-agent LHP Wade Miley on a minor-league contract.
Miley, who posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 120.1 innings with the Brewers in 2023, will have an invitation to spring training. Despite undergoing a hybrid UCL repair on his left elbow last May, Miley is aiming to be ready for the major-league level by late April or early May |
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