Despite the late additions of Tayler Rogers and Scott Barlow, the Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen remains just as uncertain as the rest of the roster. The team invited eight relief pitchers to camp as non-roster invitees, six of whom were signed this offseason. Among them are two veteran pitchers whose careers are trending in opposite directions.
Bryan Shaw, who spent most of last season in the Los Angeles Angels’ Triple-A system, is aiming for a late-career resurgence after signing with the Reds in January. He reunites with Terry Francona, who relied heavily on him during their seven seasons together in Cleveland.
Ian Gibaut has surpassed Bryan Shaw in the battle for the Reds bullpen
However, Shaw’s spring has been rough. In three appearances, he has managed just 2 ⅔ innings while surrendering three runs and five walks. At this rate, his chances of remaining in the Reds’ system appear slim.
Meanwhile, Ian Gibaut could emerge as one of the best stories of the spring. Though he shared a dugout with Francona and Shaw for just one game in Cleveland, he has endured numerous injury setbacks throughout his career.
Despite that, Francona brought him in on a minor league deal, and Gibaut has made the most of his opportunity. He has yet to allow a hit—let alone a run—this spring and is inducing ground balls at a rate reminiscent of his breakout 2023 season, where he notched 22 holds in 74 appearances for the Reds.
To secure a bullpen spot, Gibaut will need to maintain his strong performance, especially with younger pitchers like Graham Ashcraft and Carson Spiers in the mix. But for a player who has been DFA’d, waived, outrighted, and placed on the injured list numerous times, this opportunity to earn a big-league role is invaluable.
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