Former Cleveland Guardians reliever finds new home

One of the Cleveland Guardian's most frequently used pitchers from last season has seen his free agent excursion come to an end. It has been reported that right-hander Scott Barlow has agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Reds on a one-year $2.5 million deal for the 2025 season.

Barlow will be joining former Guardians manager Terry Francona in Cincinnati, possibly playing a big role in the Reds' bullpen next season. Cincinnati is looking to get back to being a competitive team in the National League Central with Francona at the helm, and bringing in players of Barlow's could help them accomplish that. The Reds have not finished better than third in the NL Central since 2012, which happens to be the last time they won the division.

The Guardians acquired Barlow last season in a trade that sent fellow reliever Enyel De Los Santos to the San Diego Padres. This was a calculated trade by Cleveland, as there were some concerns after the implementation of 2023's rule changes and how they negatively impacted closer Emmanuel Clase. Should Clase not have rebounded in the manner he did, Cleveland would need someone with game-closing experience in their bullpen, and Barlow's 53 saves for the Kansas City Royals and Padres would certainly qualify.

Barlow finished 2024 with a 4.25 ERA, 1.364 WHIP, and 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings pitched in 55 innings of work across 63 appearances. It was a more than adequate overall effort from Barlow, but his effectiveness waned once the month of August hit. Barlow's ERA ballooned to 8.49 while his K/9 dropped to 7.7 in his final 12 appearances in Cleveland, allowing 11 runs (12 total) in 11.2 innings on 12 hits and six walks. With the plethora of other options available to them that were outperforming Barlow, Cleveland designated him for assignment and eventually released him in mid-September.

Perhaps Barlow can pitch well enough in 2025 that he remains on a major league roster once the season ends. Who knows, maybe Terry Francona makes Barlow his new Bryan Shaw and pitches him four times per week, no matter the result.