The Cincinnati Reds didn’t make a splash this week - but they didn’t need to. What they did instead was quietly shore up two key areas of the roster, moves that may not trend on social media but matter plenty over the grind of a 162-game season.
One was about depth. The other?
A direct answer to a bullpen need that’s been lingering for a while.
Let’s start with the under-the-radar move: the Reds re-signed utility man P.J. Higgins to a minor-league deal.
It’s the kind of transaction that flies below the radar in December, but make no mistake - this is the type of depth that keeps a system functioning when the inevitable injuries hit. Higgins, 32, has become a familiar face in Louisville, where he played 111 games for the Triple-A Bats in 2025.
His slash line - .240/.300/.345 with 24 extra-base hits - won’t jump off the page, but that’s not really the point here.
What makes Higgins valuable is his versatility. He logged innings at first base (29 games), third base (22 games), and catcher (66 games).
That kind of flexibility gives the Reds options. Whether it’s covering a short-term injury, giving a young prospect a breather, or just stabilizing the Triple-A roster during a hectic stretch, Higgins is the type of player who helps keep the machine running.
He’s not blocking anyone’s development path, and he’s not demanding at-bats - but he’s always ready. For a team that’s leaned heavily on its farm system the last two years, keeping a steady hand like Higgins around is a savvy, low-risk insurance policy.
Now, the more headline-worthy move: Cincinnati signed left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. And this one checks a different box - a big-league bullpen need that couldn’t wait any longer.
Ferguson, an Ohio native from Columbus, brings a proven track record and a much-needed lefty presence to the Reds’ bullpen. In 2025, he split time between the Pirates and Mariners, putting together a 3.58 ERA over a career-high 70 appearances.
That kind of workload tells you a lot - managers trust him in high-leverage spots. And across seven big-league seasons, he’s been consistent, with a 3.66 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP.
He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable - and in the late innings, that’s gold.
But what really stands out here is the Terry Francona factor. Ferguson made it clear in his introductory comments: Francona was a major reason he chose Cincinnati. The veteran manager reached out personally, made it known that a lefty like Ferguson was a missing piece last season, and welcomed him into a role with purpose.
That kind of communication matters. It shows alignment between the dugout and the front office - a sign that Francona isn’t just a figurehead, but an active voice in shaping the roster. And for Ferguson, it’s a chance to pitch in his home state under one of the most respected managers in the game.
So no, these aren’t moves that will dominate offseason talk shows. But they’re the kind of decisions that help teams win - not just in April, but in August and September when depth is tested and bullpens are stretched.
Higgins gives the Reds flexibility and stability in the minors. Ferguson gives them a trusted late-inning arm with experience and local ties.
And both moves reflect a front office that’s not just chasing headlines - it’s building a roster with intention.
For a team trying to thread the needle between contending now and developing for the future, these are the smart, strategic additions that keep that balance intact.