Cincinnati Reds Sign Former First-Round Pick Starter

An interesting addition by the Cincinnati Reds.

The Reds have signed starter Luke Weaver to a one-year, $2 million contract.

The Cincinnati Reds have signed RHP Luke Weaver to a one year, $2 Million contract. pic.twitter.com/QLafkiAqDC

— Complete MLB (@CompleteMLB) January 13, 2023

It's an interesting signing for the rebuilding Reds.

Once a promising pitcher, Weaver has really struggled for most of his career, posting a 4.79 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 462 strikeouts over 450.2 innings of work across seven seasons. Of the 115 appearances he's made in the majors, Weaver has started 81 games.

Because of his struggles as a starter, the twenty-nine-year-old would seem to be better suited as a reliever. It remains to be seen how the Reds will use him, however, it should be noted that, for his career, Weaver has averaged 1.2 home runs allowed per nine innings and the Great American Ballpark is very hitter-friendly, so he may struggle even more in that area as a starter. 

Weaver is a former first-round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2014 MLB Draft.
Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports