Cincinnati Reds Claim Two Pitchers Off Waivers

The Cincinnati Reds' lack of bullpen depth played a part in the team having a disappointing season that saw them miss out on the playoffs and finish fifth in the NL Central. 

Cincinnati's front office got to work today in claiming right-hander Duncan Davitt off waivers from the San Francisco Giants and right-hander Paxton Schultz from the Washington Nationals on Monday. The claims were made possible after closer Emilio Pagán declined his 2027 player option and the Reds refused to pick up their end of the mutual options on Pierce Johnson and veteran Eugenio Suárez's deals.

However, the 27-year-old Davitt wrapped up his brief Giants stint with a dreadful 9.00 ERA and four strikeouts in four appearances. His time with the Chicago White Sox earlier in the year wasn't much better as he compiled a 4.50 ERA in only two outings. 

Davitt also failed to record any saves this season, indicating that the Reds are banking on him turning things around in yet another change of scenery.

Meanwhile, Schultz posted a 6.40 ERA with 32 strikeouts and one save during a full season with Washington. Even though his figures could use improvement, Schultz appears to be the better acquisition, at least on paper.

Schultz is also not that far removed from a respectable performance with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025. Through 13 appearances, the 28-year-old compiled a 4.38 ERA and 1.42 WHIP while fanning 28 batters and walking eight. 

Still, both relievers have recorded relatively low whiff rates with Schultz logging a measly 18.7% figure. Davitt logged a 20.7% whiff rate while striking batters out just 13.5% of the time.

Even then, bringing in Schultz and Davitt could be the spark that the Reds' pitching staff needs to improve this offseason with an increase in competition. 

Right-hander Connor Phillips was among a few relievers who struggled this year, compiling a 5.40 ERA as he flipped back and forth between the minors and the club's main roster. Luis Mey had an underwhelming year as well, posting a 6.23 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 34.2 innings pitched. 

While the Reds' efforts to improve a weak link in their roster are commendable, there were certainly more inspiring options that president of baseball operations Nick Krall could've chosen to pursue.

Left-hander Brock Burke is someone Cincinnati might look to re-sign following the impressive season he had after making his way to the club via a trade from the Los Angeles Angels.

For now, Krall will turn his attention to working out new contracts with Pagán as well as other key free agents like catcher Tyler Stephenson.