Barlow’s velocity last year was down about four mph from peak, but he appears to have gotten about half of that back, as he averaged 92.9 mph with his fastball and 93.7 mph with his sinker today. It’s worthy of note in a weak Cincinnati pen with no clear No. 2 behind the shaky Alexis Díaz.

The move was reported earlier this week and is now official. Barlow will join Taylor Rogers as reinforcements at the back end of the Reds’ bullpen and could be an option for saves if Alexis Diaz struggles with his command again in 2025. Julian Aguiar was placed on the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster.

Barlow is worth a flier at that price, but with his velocity down some and his walk rate climbing, he’s been mediocre the last two seasons. The Guardians cut him in early September last season after he posted a 4.25 ERA in 55 innings.

Barlow made 63 appearances for the Guardians this year, and he registered a 4.25 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 55 innings. Not horrible numbers, but not what a small market (cheap) organization is looking for from someone who was making $6.7 million. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all if a team made a waiver claim on Barlow, and he’ll likely decline an outright if he isn’t.