Scott Barlow DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Free-agent relief pitcher Scott Barlow agreed with the Cincinnati Reds on a one-year, $2.5 million contract on Tuesday, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers. The deal is still pending a physical. Barlow will head to the National League Central in 2025 after going 3-3 with a 4.25 ERA (4.02 FIP), a 1.36 WHIP, two saves, 68 strikeouts and 31 walks in 55 relief innings for the Cleveland Guardians in 2024. The 32-year-old right-handed veteran became a free agent last fall when the Guardians released him in September. In Cincinnati, he'll be in play for the Reds as a late-inning setup man alongside Taylor Rogers and Emilio Pagan in front of closer Alexis Diaz. Barlow has seen a dip in velocity the last couple years, although he did still post a 28.2% strikeout rate last year. He has 58 career saves in seven big-league seasons, but he's unlikely to see many save chances in Cincy as long as Diaz stays healthy.

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Scott Barlow picked up his second save of the season in Monday's 3-2 win over the Orioles. Barlow came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by one and struck out the side to seal the win. Closer Emmanuel Clase has pitched each of the last two days, so Barlow was called upon to close things out. The 31-year-old has pitched well overall this season, picking up 16 holds with a 3.66 ERA, a 12.38 K/9 rate, and a 4.78 BB/9 rate in 32 innings of work. While he has spent time as a closer in his career, Barlow will likely see very limited opportunities given Clase's elite skillset. However, his high strikeout numbers and high-leverage usage could make him worth a look in saves-plus-holds leagues.