According to reports from Robert Murray of FanSided and MLBTR’s Steve Adams, the Cincinnati Reds have reached an agreement with left-handed pitcher Justin Wilson on a major league contract. The deal includes a base salary of $1.5 million with additional incentives totaling $1 million. Earlier, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer noted Wilson’s presence in the clubhouse. Additionally, Wittenmyer mentioned that another left-handed pitcher, Alex Young, has experienced a setback in his recovery from a back injury and will begin the season on the injured list as confirmed by manager David Bell. No corresponding roster move is necessary for Wilson, as the Reds had an available spot on their 40-man roster.
Wilson, aged 36, recently signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers about a month ago. Although he performed well during spring training, striking out nine batters in four innings, he faced tough competition within the Dodgers’ bullpen. Consequently, Wilson opted out of his contract earlier this week.
In Cincinnati, Wilson’s path to the bullpen should be more straightforward. Apart from Brent Suter, who serves as another left-handed option, the Reds have limited depth in that area. Sam Moll has been dealing with shoulder soreness and hasn’t participated in any official spring games yet. With Young sidelined due to injury, Suter was the sole healthy left-handed reliever on the roster until Wilson’s signing.
Wilson’s recent seasons have been plagued by injuries. In 2022, he made only five appearances before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June of that year. Despite signing with the Milwaukee Brewers for the 2023 season, he suffered a lat injury while warming up in the bullpen after being activated from the injured list in July, preventing him from making any big league appearances last year.
However, before his recent setbacks, Wilson was a reliable reliever in the majors for approximately a decade, playing for various teams including the Pirates, Yankees, Tigers, Cubs, Mets, and Reds from 2012 to 2021. During this time, he maintained a 3.42 earned run average across 522 appearances, striking out 25.7 percent of batters while walking 10.7 percent. He also induced ground balls at a rate of 46.8 percent, accumulating 18 saves and 132 holds in his career.
Despite his recent absences, Wilson is currently healthy and brings a proven track record to the Reds’ bullpen. He is expected to join Suter as the team’s primary left-handed relief duo until Moll and Young return to full health.
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