Every since their failed pursuit of Kyle Schwarber, it has felt as though the Cincinnati Reds have just been going through the motions this offseason. Sure, they are checking in on real players, but that has felt largely performative and that the team is far more likely to continue to shop on the clearance aisle for their needs. The Reds' moves on Sunday aren't likely to change that narrative, but the bullpen signing they made at least has some real upside.
It had been known that Cincinnati was searching for bullpen help and one named that had been directly connected (among many) is former Braves' reliever Pierce Johnson.