Cincinnati Reds Claim Former Top Prospect Off Waivers

December 20, 2024 ,

The Cincinnati Reds have claimed right-hander Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Texas Rangers, adding a former top prospect to their pitching staff. 

Once considered a rising star, the 25-year-old originally broke into the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022, posting a promising 3.79 ERA over 95 innings. 

However, a dip in velocity and struggles with consistency derailed his trajectory, and Contreras has since bounced between the Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, and now the Reds. Out of minor league options, he will need to make Cincinnati’s Opening Day roster to avoid another stint on waivers.

Contreras brings an unusual six-pitch repertoire, including a recently developed two-seam fastball and cutter, which offer intriguing versatility as a bullpen option. 

Despite posting a 4.35 ERA over 68.1 innings in 2024, Contreras showed improvement in inducing ground balls, with a 44.4% rate, and has flashed potential that Reds GM Nick Krall hopes to harness. 

“He’s shown glimpses of being an effective arm,” Krall said. “With his pitch mix and our coaching staff’s input, we believe there’s an opportunity to get him back on track.”

The Reds’ bullpen, which led the National League with 37 losses in 2024, is in need of reliable options, and Contreras has a chance to fill a key role. 

With team control through 2028, the Reds see Contreras as a long-term project with significant upside if he can regain the form that made him a top prospect. 

For Contreras, this move to Cincinnati represents an opportunity to stabilize his career and prove he can still be a valuable contributor at the major league level.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images



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