The Cincinnati Reds are bringing back left-handed reliever Reiver Sanmartin for the 2025 season on a minor league deal. Sanmartin last pitched in the majors in 2023, where he had a rough start, posting a 7.07 ERA in 14 appearances before landing on the injured list. Initially diagnosed with a stress reaction in his elbow, he eventually underwent Tommy John surgery two months later. After becoming a free agent following the 2023 season, Sanmartin re-signed with the Reds the next day to continue his rehabilitation with the organization.
Sanmartin missed the entire 2024 season before making his return in July, starting with rehab appearances in Arizona. He then briefly joined Dayton before moving on to Triple-A Louisville in late July. Although he had some struggles with the Bats out of the bullpen, his issues were often tied to occasional poor outings that inflated his ERA to 7.36 over 18.1 innings. In that span, he walked seven batters and struck out 18 of the 90 hitters he faced.
Mike Napoli joins the Reds
Rob Bradford of WEEI is reporting that Mike Napoli has joined the Cincinnati Reds, though the specifics of his role are still unclear. Napoli, who spent the last five years with the Chicago Cubs in various coaching capacities, served as the Cubs’ first base coach in 2024. However, he was not retained by the team following the season.
With the Reds already having announced their coaching staff for the 2025 season, it remains to be seen whether Napoli will be added to the staff in some capacity or if he will take on a different role within the Reds’ front office.
Update: November 25th
Mark Sheldon of Reds.com has reported that Mike Napoli will be joining the Cincinnati Reds as a “staff assistant.” This new role adds clarity to Napoli’s position within the organization, following speculation about his potential involvement in the team’s coaching or front-office staff.
Former Cubs 1B coach Mike Napoli was named by the Reds as a Major League staff assistant. Napoli won't be on the coaching staff but will assist in various areas of baseball operations. Napoli previously played for Reds manager Terry Francona in Cleveland in 2016.
— Mark Sheldon (@msheldon.bsky.social) 2024-11-25T18:50:32.751Z
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