According to sources, left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers is in route to the Cincinnati Reds following a deal on Wednesday. Minor-league pitcher Braxton Roxby was traded to the San Francisco Giants.
The Reds bolster their bullpen by acquiring 34-year-old Rogers, a former All-Star in the final year of his contract, with $12 million owed in 2025. The move seems to be a salary-clearing decision for the Giants, though they did receive 25-year-old Roxby in return. The right-handed reliever struggled in Double-A last season but has shown promise in other minor league outings.
With the Rogers twins now separated, San Francisco faces a significant bullpen gap, while Cincinnati strengthens its roster, signaling a commitment to competing in 2025. Robert Murray of FanSided was the first to report the news.
How the Taylor Rogers Trade Impacts the Reds
The Reds’ bullpen posted a 4.09 ERA last season, placing them in the league’s lower half. Rogers not only adds much-needed experience but also delivers results. He had a career-best 2024 campaign, pitching 60 innings with a 2.40 ERA. His sinker-sweeper combination consistently generated weak contact, ranking in the 91st percentile for exit velocity and the 90th for hard-hit percentage. Additionally, adding another left-handed arm is a plus for Cincinnati. While they already have experienced lefties Sam Moll and Brent Suter, having a third option is valuable.
The Giants are reportedly including financial assistance in the trade, but even so, Rogers will likely be among the Reds’ top-paid players. The move is also expected to push Cincinnati’s payroll above $110 million for the first time since 2022. It’s evident that Reds ownership believes they can contend in 2025, and with a talented core of young players, that belief seems well-founded.
The Impact of Rogers’ Loss on the Giants
With the Giants already thin on left-handed relievers, many fans may see this move as puzzling. San Francisco seems focused on clearing payroll, especially since Roxby was ranked just 44th among Reds prospects. While ownership has been open about reducing spending this year, some will speculate whether this trade sets up a future free-agent signing. The team recently brought in Joey Lucchesi on a minor league deal as a left-handed option, but Erik Miller now faces increased pressure to build on his strong 2024 season.
The long-term impact of this deal for the Giants remains uncertain. LaMonte Wade Jr. continues to be involved in trade rumors, potentially creating space for Pete Alonso. However, the front office has emphasized that they don’t want to block Bryce Eldridge’s rapid rise to the majors. Meanwhile, Jack Flaherty’s next destination is still unknown, but after missing out on Corbin Burnes, San Francisco appears to be a strong contender.
Just talked to Posey. He said he hated breaking up the Rogers twins, but they wanted to create chances for younger arms in the bullpen. Doesn't sound like there are plans to reinvest the $6M SF saved. "We'll keep looking. I will say, we feel pretty set with the roster the way it is right now."
— Andrew Baggarly (@andrewbaggarly.bsky.social) 2025-01-29T22:47:05.070Z
According to Andrew Baggarly, the Giants have no plans to reinvest the savings from this trade and sent $6 million to Cincinnati as part of the deal.
Posey has been quite clear about this, but it does not necessarily mean that future deals are off the table. In 2025, he is content with the youthful arms at his disposal.
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