There was not a worse bullpen in the 2025 MLB Postseason than that of the Cincinnati Reds.
Across two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cincinnati bullpen allowed eight runs on 16 hits and accumulated a 7.45 ERA in the process. It was uncharacteristic of the 3.89 regular season ERA from the bullpen, but even with the odd performances, additions are being made to the bullpen.
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Reds and left-hander Caleb Ferguson are in agreement on a deal. Ferguson, a seven-year veteran, has been with four different teams across the previous two seasons, and Cincinnati will now mark his fifth stop in three seasons.
Ferguson spent the second half of the 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners, posting a 3.27 ERA with 17 strikeouts across 22 appearances. His postseason numbers, though, were much worse, as he posted an ERA of 16.88 across three outings and 2 2/3 innings pitched.
Ferguson joins Sam Moll and Brandon Williamson as the three left-handed relievers on the Reds 40-man roster. It is evident that Cincinnati is attempting to counter some of the slugging left-handed hitters not only in its division, but in the entire National League. Ferguson being a trusted and consistent option out of Terry Francona's bullpen will be a key part of the Reds 2026 season.
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