Left-handed pitcher Tyler Gilbert made a remarkable debut in Major League Baseball on August 14, 2021, pitching a no-hitter for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the San Diego Padres. Despite this impressive start, Gilbert’s subsequent performances did not live up to the initial brilliance. In the two seasons following his no-hitter, he struggled with a 5.23 ERA (80 ERA+) in 51.2 innings, leading to the Arizona Diamondbacks outrighting him from their roster at the end of the 2023 season to make room for other players.
Gilbert, originally a Rule 5 Draft selection from the Philadelphia Phillies organization, faced challenges entering his 27th season. The 30-year-old left-hander relies on a diverse pitching repertoire, including a four-seamer, cutter, sinker, changeup, and curve, to keep hitters off balance, despite not possessing overwhelming velocity. Despite his recent struggles, the Cincinnati Reds see potential in Gilbert’s left arm and have officially signed him to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.
The signing of Gilbert represents a deep move for the Reds, and there appear to be few concerns about potential issues with the left-hander. While his recent performances may raise questions, the Reds are optimistic that, at 30 years old, Gilbert still has the potential to reinvent himself and contribute positively to the team.
In other baseball news, Baseball Prospectus and Baseball America released their updated Top 100 prospect lists, overlooking switch-hitting prospect Edwin Arroyo. Despite Arroyo’s absence from the lists, the Cincinnati Reds had a notable presence, with prospects such as Noelvi Marte, Rhett Lowder, and Connor Phillips receiving recognition.
The #Reds today signed LHP Tyler Gilbert to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League camp.
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) January 17, 2024
Mark Sheldon of MLB.com provided insights into the Reds’ infield logjam, analyzing potential lineup configurations based on various metrics from the 2023 season. The challenge for the Reds lies in managing their infield talent, with the possibility of optioning players like Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, or Elly De La Cruz back to AAA if everyone is healthy. The article suggests that Jonathan India is expected to bat leadoff and play second base on Opening Day.
Additionally, the Reds made a transaction with the Texas Rangers, acquiring cash in exchange for pitcher Daniel Duarte. Duarte, who was removed from the 40-man roster to accommodate the signing of Brent Suter, adds financial flexibility to the Reds’ future moves. This trade allows the team to balance their financials, with the cash acquired for Duarte offsetting a portion of Suter’s contract, providing the Reds with greater flexibility in their financial planning moving forward.
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