FREE AGENT SIGNING: Cincinnati Reds Bring in Solid Veteran

The Cincinnati Reds didn’t have to look too far from home for a solid reliever to add to their bullpen for 2024, signing hometown kid Brent Suter to a one-year free agent deal with an option.

Free-agent pitcher Brent Suter and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a one-year contract, pending physical, according to sources familiar with the deal. It pays $2.5 million in 2024 with a $3.5 million club option ($500K buyout) for 2025.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 11, 2024

As reported by baseball insider Robert Murray, the deal will pay Suter $2.5 million and also includes a team option for 2025 at $3.5 million with a $500,000 buyout. The Reds were interested in Suter back at the trade deadline last season, but he had landed on the injured list, putting the kibosh on any deal.

The 34-year-old left-hander has spent seven of his eight major league seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. Last year he was dealing for the Colorado Rockies, posting a 3.38 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP, surrendering only three home runs in 69 innings — none at home —more than impressive in the thin air environment of Coors Field. He holds career marks of an equally strong 3.49 ERA And a 1.22 WHIP. In addition, he strikes out 7.6 batters per nine, while surrendering only 2.4 walks.

Reports say that Suter had interest from eight different teams around the majors, and a couple even inquired about turning him back into a starter, which is how he began his career in his first couple of seasons.

Suter was born in Chicago, but grew up in Cincinnati and was a 31st round pick in the 2012 MLB Draft by the Brewers. He’s accomplished more than can be expected of a pick that low in the draft. He’s held ERAs well under 4.00 for all but one of his eight major league seasons.

While Suter is no longer available, there are still a few high-end relievers available on the free agent market, including the likes of Josh Hader, Jordan Hicks, Liam Hendriks, Robert Stephenson, David Robertson and Aroldis Chapman.

Photo: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports