The Cincinnati Reds have added left-handed pitcher Drew Parrish on a minor league deal, bringing in another arm to bolster their organizational pitching depth. Parrish, 27, spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Braves, appearing in 27 games at Double-A Mississippi and two more at Triple-A Gwinnett.
Originally an 8th-round draft pick by the Kansas City Royals out of Florida State in 2019, Parrish climbed the Royals’ minor league ranks, reaching Triple-A but failing to crack the big leagues. After being released following the 2023 season, he signed with the Braves as a minor league free agent.
Parrish had a strong second half in 2024. Beginning on June 26, he pitched 46.0 innings, splitting time between starting and long relief. Over that stretch, he posted an impressive 2.15 ERA, striking out 47 batters and walking just nine. He also limited opponents to a .204/.247/.287 slash line, surrendering only six extra-base hits. His ability to thrive in a multi-inning bullpen role was particularly notable during this period.
Though Parrish’s raw stuff isn’t overpowering—his fastball sits in the upper 80s to low 90s and occasionally touches 93-94 mph—he complements it with a slider, changeup, and a slow curveball that works in the upper 60s to low 70s.
For the Reds, who used 31 pitchers and a position player (Luke Maile) to cover 1,428 innings in 2024, Parrish represents a valuable depth option. Cincinnati experienced significant turnover among their arms, with 10 pitchers plus Maile appearing in fewer than five games. If Parrish can replicate his late-season success from 2024, particularly in a long relief role, he could emerge as a useful contributor for the Reds in the upcoming season.
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