Reds sign RHP Scott Barlow, adding to bullpen depth

The Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent right-hander Scott Barlow to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026 on Thursday.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is worth $2.5 million, according to media reports.

In a corresponding move, the Reds placed right-handed starter Julian Aguiar on the 60-day injured list to open a spot for Barlow on the 40-man roster. Aguiar underwent Tommy John surgery in October and is expected to miss the 2025 season.

Barlow, 32, was 3-3 with two saves, a 4.25 ERA, 31 walks and 68 strikeouts in 55 innings over 63 relief appearances last season for the Cleveland Guardians, who released him in September.

He has a career record of 23-21 with 58 saves, a 3.49 ERA, 164 walks and 461 strikeouts in 387 innings over 365 relief appearances with the Kansas City Royals (2018-23), San Diego Padres (2023) and Guardians (2024).

Barlow was most effective from 2021-22 for the Royals, as he was a combined 12-7 with 40 saves, a 2.30 ERA, 50 walks and 168 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings.

Aguiar, 23, was 2-1 with a 6.25 ERA, 12 walks and 19 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings over seven starts as a rookie with Cincinnati last season.

--Field Level Media