The Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a one-year deal with right-handed pitcher Scott Barlow, which includes a club option for the 2026 season. While the financial details were not officially released, reports indicate the contract is valued at $2.5 million.
To make room for Barlow on the 40-man roster, the Reds moved right-handed starter Julian Aguiar to the 60-day injured list. Aguiar, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October, is expected to miss the entire 2025 season.
Barlow, 32, finished the 2024 season with a 3-3 record, two saves, a 4.25 ERA, 31 walks, and 68 strikeouts in 55 innings across 63 appearances for the Cleveland Guardians, who released him in September. Over his career, Barlow has posted a 23-21 record with 58 saves, a 3.49 ERA, 164 walks, and 461 strikeouts in 387 innings across 365 relief appearances for the Kansas City Royals (2018-2023), San Diego Padres (2023), and Guardians (2024).
Barlow was at his best during the 2021-2022 seasons with the Royals, recording a combined 12-7 record, 40 saves, a 2.30 ERA, 50 walks, and 168 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings.
Aguiar, 23, made seven starts for the Reds as a rookie in 2024, posting a 2-1 record, 6.25 ERA, 12 walks, and 19 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings.
