Former Nats Closer Sean Doolittle Nears Deal With Reds

According to baseball insider Trent Rosecrans, the Cincinnati Reds and free agent left-handed reliever Sean Doolittle are nearing terms on a deal. With Trevor Bauer likely headed elsewhere, bolstering that bullpen is a solid move.

The #Reds are close to a deal with free-agent reliever Sean Doolittle, sources tell me and @Ken_Rosenthal.

— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) February 2, 2021

Cincinnati had the seventh-best team ERA during the 60-game season, and that was mostly due to the starting staff. With Luis Castillo and Trevor Bauer routinely pitching deep into games, there was no need for reliever depth. Mets’ owner Steve Cohen is reportedly “all over” Bauer this offseason, so Cincinnati might as well help that staff elsewhere.

Sean Doolittle is the first reliever to take the Nats bullpen cart! pic.twitter.com/qwde2khqgG

— Baseball Bros (@BaseballBros) September 9, 2018

Doolittle was dismal last season, but that’s apparently when organizations like to strike. Sign a guy for cheap on a short-term “prove it” deal, and capitalize on his desperation to be one of the game’s best relievers again. A rebound season is the hope for everyone here, and we’ve seen crazier things happen on the mound.

The Reds are in division with the St. Louis Cardinals who just signed Nolan Arenado, so they’ve got some work to do if they want to compete.