Reds Eye Andrew Chafin to Bolster Bullpen
The Cincinnati Reds are facing a bullpen conundrum. While their right-handed options like Emilio Pagán, Tony Santillan, and Graham Ashcraft are set to handle late innings with confidence, the left-handed side is looking a bit thin. With Caleb Ferguson starting the season on the injured list and Sam Moll just barely making the Opening Day roster, the Reds are in need of a reliable lefty.
Enter Andrew Chafin, a seasoned reliever who recently hit the open market after being released by the Minnesota Twins. Hailing from Collins, Ohio, Chafin has been a reliable bullpen asset, showing improvement with age.
Over the past six seasons, he’s posted an impressive 133 ERA+, a notable uptick from his earlier career numbers. For the Reds, Chafin could be the low-cost solution to balance their bullpen, especially with Nick Lodolo sidelined by injury.
The Case for Chafin
Chafin’s release from the Twins might raise some eyebrows, but it’s worth noting that injuries limited his innings in 2025. Despite these setbacks, his spring training performance was promising, boasting a 1.167 WHIP across six appearances. This makes him a viable option for Cincinnati, particularly given their limited left-handed relief choices.
Brent Suter’s departure to free agency and Brandon Williamson’s absence from the Majors since 2024 leave a gap that Chafin could fill. Brock Burke shows potential with an 81.1% left-on-base rate last season, but his struggles this spring suggest the Reds could benefit from additional left-handed depth.
A Veteran Presence
While Chafin may not light up the radar gun-his velocity dipped this spring-his veteran presence could prove invaluable to a young Reds team. With promising pitching prospects on the horizon, having someone like Chafin could provide stability and mentorship within the bullpen.
In summary, adding Andrew Chafin could be a strategic move for the Reds, offering a blend of experience and reliability. As the season unfolds, his role could be pivotal in navigating the challenges of a long MLB season.