Cleveland Indians: Three teams that could add Brad Hand

Cincinnati Reds

Only three teams logged fewer saves than the Philadelphia Phillies, but the Cincinnati Reds managed to be one of them. With just nine saves over the 60 games of the 2020 season, the Reds had more saves than only the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite that, Cincinnati still managed to finish second in the National League Central, granting them a spot in the playoffs.

The Reds making the playoffs could actually increase their chances of signing Hand, should they view him as the potential difference between where they finished and where they want to be. However, Hand wouldn’t necessarily walk into the closer role in Cincinnati.

Of the nine save for the Reds, eight were registered by Raisel Iglesias, who was also one of the Reds’ best relievers. Iglesias appeared in 22 games for the Reds, totaling 23 innings, nearly the same as Hand in Cleveland. Those 23 innings translated to 31 strikeouts and a 2.74 ERA.

Iglesias, though, is a right-handed pitcher whereas Hand is left-handed. Having a one-two punch of Iglesias and Hand and being able to alternate who pitches the eighth and ninth based on the situation could be an intriguing idea to Cincinnati. Both have the potential to be the team’s closer and could see time in the role until one stands out from the other.