Barlow, Staumont latest pickups for reshaped Reds 'pen (source)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. ¨C On the day before their first official workout for pitchers and catchers, the Reds added another bullpen piece to the mix. And it's one with experience as a closer.

According to a source, they agreed to terms Tuesday with reliever Scott Barlow on a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

Cincinnati has not announced the signing. The club still must clear a spot on its 40-man roster, which is at capacity. That could happen as soon as Wednesday, when teams can begin placing injured players on the 60-day injured list.

Barlow, 32, was 3-3 with a 4.25 ERA in 63 appearances last season with the Guardians before he was designated for assignment and released in mid-September. Over his seven-year big league career with the Royals, Padres and Guardians, he has a 3.49 ERA in 365 games.

The 2021-22 seasons with Kansas City were Barlow's two best, as he posted a combined 2.30 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 40 saves in 140 games. That included a career-best 24 saves in 2022.

In January, the Reds also acquired a former closer and All-Star in lefty Taylor Rogers in a trade with the Giants. Rogers had a career-high 31 saves in 2022 with the Brewers and Padres. The presence of Rogers and Barlow could potentially push incumbent Reds closer Alexis Díaz, who endured some command issues while saving 28 games in 2024 after an All-Star season with 37 saves in 2023.

Cincinnati also added another former Royals reliever on Tuesday in Josh Staumont, who agreed to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Staumont, who was with Kansas City from 2019-23, had a 3.70 ERA in 25 games and 24 1/3 innings for the Twins last season before being released in August. He was picked up by the Cubs but did not pitch for them in the big leagues, then was released again.