Rumors surfaced earlier this week that the Cincinnati Reds are looking to add another starting pitcher. However, with spring training already underway, Opening Day just a month away, and the available talent pool nearly depleted, it’s not the most convenient time to be searching for one.
As is often the case with the Reds, the team is reportedly focusing on pitchers willing to accept a minor-league contract with a spring training invite.
However, FanSided’s Robert Murray suggests that Cincinnati may need to offer a major-league deal to secure one of the remaining free-agent arms. Despite this, the Reds appear determined to find a bargain.
The remaining free-agent market lacks high-end talent, consisting mostly of aging veterans and journeymen. However, Cincinnati’s pursuit of an additional starter could simply be about finding a serviceable arm to help the team navigate the early weeks of the season while Andrew Abbott and Rhett Lowder continue building up their readiness.
Reds Rumors: 3 starting pitchers who could be on Cincy’s shortlist
Spencer Turnbull, right-handed pitcher
Turnbull put together a solid season last year, finding stability with the Philadelphia Phillies after his time with the Detroit Tigers. He excelled in a hybrid role, making seven starts and 10 relief appearances during the 2024 season.
However, Turnbull dealt with a lat strain midway through the year, which sidelined him on the 60-day IL. Before considering a deal, the Reds would need to ensure he is fully healthy. The right-hander posted a 3-0 record with a 2.65 ERA and 56 strikeouts over 54 ⅓ innings, making him a potentially valuable addition to Cincinnati’s pitching staff.
Kyle Gibson, right-handed pitcher
Convincing Gibson to accept a minor-league deal will be a tough sell, especially after he signed a $13 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals just last year.
While the veteran right-hander has been a durable presence, making 30 or more starts and surpassing 150 innings in each of the past four seasons, his performance hasn’t always matched his availability.
Taking the mound every fifth day is only part of the equation—finding success is the other, and that’s been a challenge for Gibson.
On the plus side, the 37-year-old has historically been effective at inducing ground balls, which would be an asset at Great American Ball Park. Still, convincing him to settle for anything less than a major-league deal may be a long shot.
Johnny Cueto, right-handed pitcher
Cueto’s name will surely bring back some fond memories for Reds fans, especially since it wasn’t too long ago that he was linked to the team. Two years ago, Cueto was rumored to be on the Reds’ radar before ultimately signing with the Miami Marlins.
However, he made just 13 appearances that season, posting a 6.02 ERA before being let go. Last year, Cueto signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers but was released after just two starts.
Bringing Cueto back would likely be more about nostalgia than actual production. While he had a solid bounce-back year in 2022 with the Chicago White Sox, he hasn’t been consistently effective since. Cueto’s willingness to accept a minor-league deal and his previous ties to Cincinnati are the main reasons he remains on the Reds’ radar. Still, it feels like the kind of move the Reds might make, doesn’t it?
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