Former 1st-Round Pick Starting Pitcher Elects Free Agency

Justin Dunn, a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher, has decided to explore free agency after the Cincinnati Reds removed him from their 40-man roster.

His journey to free agency follows a season-long absence in 2023 due to persistent shoulder problems, which ultimately necessitated surgery in early September.

This shoulder injury has been a significant setback for Dunn, limiting him to just seven starts over the past two seasons combined.

Dunn had a nice season in 2021 with the Seattle Mariners, posting a 3.75 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, with 49 strikeouts across 50.1 innings and 11 starts.

Despite these health challenges, Justin Dunn was once considered a promising prospect in the world of baseball.

According to the Reds' minor league transactions log, Justin Dunn has elected free agency.

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) October 12, 2023

Over his four-year career, Dunn holds a 4.44 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, with 113 strikeouts across 133.2 innings and 32 starts.

While it is unlikely that he will be ready to return to the mound until well into the 2024 season, there is a chance that another organization may take a chance on him as a potential reclamation project during the upcoming offseason.

Dunn's determination and past potential may still make him an attractive option for teams looking to revitalize his career.

The 28-year-old is a former first-round pick (19th overall) by the New York Mets in the 2016 MLB Draft. Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports