The Cincinnati Reds are bolstering their bullpen with a much-needed left-handed arm, agreeing to terms with veteran reliever Caleb Ferguson, pending a physical. The move adds a second southpaw to a Reds relief corps that, until now, featured only Sam Moll from the left side.
Ferguson brings with him a well-traveled résumé and a steady track record. The 29-year-old has pitched for five different teams since debuting with the Dodgers back in 2018, and while his jersey has changed frequently, his performance has remained consistent. He wrapped up the 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners, his latest stop in a whirlwind couple of years that’s seen him bounce from coast to coast.
Let’s unpack that journey for a moment. After spending six seasons with the Dodgers, Ferguson was traded to the Yankees in early 2024 in a deal that sent Matt Gage and Christian Zazueta to Los Angeles.
His time in the Bronx was brief-by the trade deadline, he was on the move again, this time to Houston, with the Astros sending back pitcher Kelly Austin and some cash. Then came the offseason, when Ferguson signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Pirates, only to be dealt again to Seattle in exchange for Jeter Martinez.
All that movement hasn’t derailed his production. Through 333 career appearances, Ferguson owns a 3.66 ERA, a 3.67 FIP, and a 113 ERA+-numbers that suggest he’s more than just a journeyman.
He’s a reliable bullpen piece who has shown he can get outs in high-leverage situations. In 2025, he posted a .280 BABIP, struck out 18.9% of batters faced, and walked 8.1%.
Those aren’t overpowering numbers, but they reflect a pitcher who knows how to navigate lineups and limit damage.
For the Reds, this is a strategic addition. Their bullpen posted a 3.89 ERA last season-14th in the majors-and while that’s respectable, it’s clear they’re aiming to fine-tune the group heading into 2026.
Adding a second lefty gives manager flexibility late in games, especially against teams with dangerous left-handed bats in the middle of the order. Ferguson’s experience across both leagues and in multiple postseason environments only adds to his value in a clubhouse looking to build on a playoff appearance.
This move might not make the biggest headlines, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar signing that can pay dividends over the course of a long season. For a Reds team with postseason aspirations, having a reliable lefty like Ferguson in the bullpen could make all the difference in a tight NL Central race.