Cincinnati Reds Bring Back Former Pitcher on Minor League Deal

The Cincinnati Reds have signed former pitcher Connor Overton to a minor league deal.

The information came from a transactional log put together by Baseball America.

The 30-year-old Virginia native is familiar to the Reds, having pitched for them in 2022 and 2023. 

He made his major league debut with the Blue Jays in 2021 and also pitched for the Pirates that year. Overton started three games for the Reds in 2023, going 0-1 with an 11.45 ERA. He underwent Tommy John surgery in May and won't be able to help the Reds until at least midseason this year - if at all.

All in all, it's a low-risk move on multiple levels. Overton gets to be in a place where's comfortable as he rehabs and the Reds get a chance to work with a guy they already know well, who may have a chance to contribute down the stretch.

The Reds went 82-80 in 2023 and missed the playoffs but they'll be a trendy pick to do damage in 2024. Armed with some of the best position player talent in baseball, they are looking to put it together. Cincinnati suffered several pitching injuries that helped derail their 2023 (including Overton), so by re-signing Overton they are clearly playing a numbers game and trying to get as many bodies in the clubhouse as they can. If Overton is able to contribute down the stretch, that is one less worry.

In addition to adding Overton, the Reds have signed reliever Emilio Pagan and swing man Nick Martinez this offseason.