Reds Bring Back Reliever Alex Young on Minor League Deal

The Cincinnati Reds have reunited with a familiar face, bringing back left-handed reliever Alex Young on a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training, per a report by Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Young, represented by Wasserman, returns to Cincinnati after a stint with the team during the 2023 season.

Young, 31, was a solid contributor to the Reds’ bullpen last year, appearing in a career-high 63 games. Over 53 2/3 innings, he posted a respectable 3.86 ERA, proving to be a valuable addition after signing a minor league deal prior to the season. His performance earned him a roster spot until July, when the Reds traded him to the San Francisco Giants for outfielder Austin Slater.

However, the move didn’t lead to much impact for either side. Slater only appeared in eight games for the Reds before being shipped to the Orioles, while Young didn’t pitch in the majors for the Giants. Within two weeks, San Francisco lost him on waivers to the New York Mets.

Young pitched 13 games for the Mets, posting a 3.29 ERA across 13 2/3 innings but was non-tendered in November. Now, the Reds are giving the veteran southpaw another chance to earn a spot in their bullpen as they prepare for the 2024 season.

Reds’ Bullpen Picture

Cincinnati has some stability in its bullpen with left-handers Sam Moll and Brent Suter already locked in for manager Terry Francona’s relief corps. Young joins fellow lefty Reiver Sanmartin and longtime Francona favorite Bryan Shaw as non-roster invitees vying for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.

The Reds are likely to have two or three middle-relief spots available heading into the season. Relievers Alexis Díaz, Emilio Pagán, Tony Santillan, Moll, and Suter are expected to be locks for the bullpen if healthy. Young’s prior success with the Reds and his ability to pitch in high-leverage situations could make him an intriguing option to round out the relief corps.

A Chance to Reignite His Career

Young’s return to Cincinnati offers a familiar environment and a chance to reignite his career. With the Reds looking to build on their 2023 campaign, adding bullpen depth will be crucial, and Young’s versatility could prove valuable. The upcoming Spring Training will be pivotal as the veteran reliever looks to prove he still has what it takes to contribute at the major league level.

This reunion underscores Cincinnati’s strategy of identifying under-the-radar talent and creating competition in key areas, particularly in their bullpen. If Young can recapture the form he showed during his first stint with the Reds, he could emerge as a key piece in Francona’s bullpen plans for 2024.