Reds Add Bullpen Depth, Clear Room for Offensive Upgrade in Three-Team Deal
CINCINNATI - The Reds made another move to reinforce their bullpen, bringing in left-hander Brock Burke as part of a three-team trade with the Rays and Angels. But while the shuffle included a left-handed-hitting outfielder, that bat won’t be heading to Cincinnati. Instead, the Reds are doubling down on arms - and leaving the door open for a bat to come later.
This move comes on the heels of Thursday’s signing of veteran right-hander Pierce Johnson, signaling a clear focus from the Reds’ front office on tightening up the back end of the bullpen. President of baseball operations Nick Krall confirmed that the team isn’t done yet - especially when it comes to the lineup.
“I would hope so,” Krall said when asked if another bat could be added before spring training. “We’ve talked to just about every free agent for players and we’ve talked to every club. It’s just trying to figure out what opportunity presents itself over the next few weeks.”
The Reds also made a corresponding move to free up roster space, trading reliever Yosver Zulueta to the Mariners for right-handed starter Dusty Revis, a recent 11th-round draft pick out of Western Carolina. Zulueta had been designated for assignment earlier in the day to make room for Johnson on the 40-man roster.
Lux Era Ends After One Season
As part of the three-team deal, Cincinnati sent designated hitter Gavin Lux to Tampa Bay. Lux arrived last year in a trade that sent outfield prospect Mike Sirota to the Dodgers - a move aimed at boosting the offense.
While Lux brought positional flexibility and solid on-base skills, he never quite found the power stroke the Reds were hoping for. In 503 plate appearances, he posted a .269/.350/.374 slash line with just five home runs.
Lux spent time at three different positions but eventually settled into a role as the team’s DH against right-handed pitching. With the emergence of left-handed hitting outfielder JJ Bleday and a decision to keep Lux in the infield moving forward, his role on the roster became more limited. Cincinnati opted to move on - and free up his $5.525 million salary in the process.
That money could now be redirected toward a more versatile offensive piece, one who brings both a bat and defensive flexibility. And with no full-time DH locked in, the Reds are leaning into the idea of rotating that spot to give players like Elly De La Cruz occasional rest from the field while keeping their bats in the lineup.
Steer’s Versatility Opens Doors
Spencer Steer continues to be the glue guy on this roster. A Gold Glove finalist at first base in his first full season there, Steer’s ability to move around - second base, third base, outfield - gives manager David Bell plenty of options. That flexibility is key as the Reds look to mix and match lineups and keep their core healthy over a 162-game grind.
The Reds had been willing to hand a full-time DH role to Kyle Schwarber, a Middletown, Ohio native, but he opted to return to the Phillies. That leaves the DH spot wide open - and potentially even more valuable as a rotating rest-and-reward position for the team’s young stars.
Burke Joins a Strengthening Bullpen
With the addition of Burke, Cincinnati now has a trio of lefties in the bullpen: Burke joins Caleb Ferguson and Sam Moll, giving the Reds more matchup flexibility late in games. Burke, 29, is coming off a strong season with the Angels, posting a 3.36 ERA over 69 appearances. While Brent Suter was used more as a long reliever last year, Burke is expected to take on a more defined role - one that could see him pitching in high-leverage spots.
“(Burke) is someone we feel can pitch toward the back of the bullpen,” Krall said. And with Moll returning from injury, the Reds are hoping their left-handed relief corps can be a weapon, not a weak spot, in 2026.
What’s Next?
The Reds have been active - and strategic. They’ve added two experienced arms in Burke and Johnson, cleared a DH logjam by moving Lux, and picked up a young starter in Revis as a developmental piece. But the work isn’t done.
Krall made it clear the Reds are still in the market for a bat. Whether that comes via trade or free agency remains to be seen, but with spring training approaching, the front office is keeping its options open.
The bullpen is deeper. The roster is more flexible. Now, the focus shifts to finding that one more piece to round out the lineup - a bat that can help this team take the next step in a competitive NL Central.