Should the Reds Re-Sign Brock Burke?

Brock Burke showed out in remarkable fashion for the Cincinnati Reds this year, becoming one of the team's most trusted arms out of the bullpen beyond closer Emilio Pagán. The left-hander wrapped up the season with an impressive 2.30 ERA and 74 strikeouts through 74.1 innings pitched.

Burke's time as a Los Angeles Angel last year demonstrated a significant turnaround from a rough 2024 that saw him record a 9.22 ERA with the Texas Rangers. The next year, he honed in on his craft as his ERA dropped to a more palatable 3.36. 

Still, Burke's improvement wasn't enough for him to have a long-term home when Los Angeles ended up trading him to the Reds in a three-way deal that shipped off infielder Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays who are competing for their first-ever World Series title.

Now that he's set to enter free agency upon the conclusion of the playoffs, Burke has made a strong case as to why he should remain in a Cincinnati uniform. Not only have his numbers gotten better, but he has also shown an ability to thrive in adversity, a must-have trait for a major-league pitcher.

Burke earned a win near the end of the season during the Reds' Sept. 1 matchup against the San Diego Padres, striking out two batters and only allowing one hit through a single inning of work as Cincinnati came away with a 4-3 victory.

Furthermore, he held the Atlanta Braves' offense scoreless in his last outing of the season on Sept. 24, helping the Reds spoil Atlanta's hopes at clinching a first-round bye. 

Given the year Burke had, a reunion should certainly be on president of baseball operations Nick Krall's radar. Although, Burke will command a pretty penny at the negotiating table and will have other suitors in need of relief help.

It's also worth mentioning that Burke turns 31 next year so Cincinnati would be wise to exercise caution in tying money to someone who plays such a volatile position and could have injury problems down the road as he gets older.

Some of the Reds' other relief options like Luis Mey and Connor Phillips struggled this year. Phillips posted a 5.40 ERA and hopped back and forth between the minors and the club's main roster. Meanwhile, Mey compiled an underwhelming 6.23 ERA with 50 strikeouts.

Overall, Burke would be fantastic to have back on the Reds but Krall must be careful to not set the franchise back on a lopsided contract.