The Cincinnati Reds have opted to bring back former pitcher Connor Overton on a minor league contract despite his ongoing struggles with an injury.
The news of this transaction was uncovered in a log compiled by Baseball America. Overton, a 30-year-old Virginia native, is no stranger to the Reds, having previously pitched for them in both 2022 and 2023.
Having made his major league debut with the Blue Jays in 2021 and also played for the Pirates that year, Overton started three games for the Reds in 2023, registering a record of 0-1 with an 11.45 ERA.
Unfortunately, he underwent Tommy John surgery in May, ruling him out until at least midseason this year, with uncertainties regarding his potential contribution.
Despite the risk associated with Overton’s injury, the move is viewed as a calculated one on multiple fronts.
For Overton, it provides a familiar environment for rehabilitation, while for the Reds, it presents an opportunity to collaborate with a player they are already acquainted with, potentially adding depth to their roster.
Given the Reds’ 82-80 record in 2023 and their failure to reach the playoffs, they are making strategic moves to fortify their squad for the upcoming season.
Acknowledging their noteworthy position player talent, the Reds are keen on building a competitive team in 2024.
The decision to re-sign Overton is part of a broader strategy, especially in light of various pitching injuries that plagued the team in 2023, including Overton’s own setback.
By bringing him back into the fold, the Reds are adopting a pragmatic approach, aiming to maximize their options and mitigate concerns about their pitching staff.
In addition to Overton, the Reds have also bolstered their roster by signing reliever Emilio Pagan and versatile pitcher Nick Martinez in the current offseason.
Leave a Reply