CINCINNATI — The Reds are building piece by piece to a foundation they believe is ready to contend in 2024.
With the signing of Cincinnati native Brent Suter to the roster, Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall just added a veteran to a bullpen that figures to play a major role at the end of games.
Krall signed the 34-year-old free agent lefty reliever to a 1-year, $2.5 million contract through the 2024 season with a $3.5 million club option for 2025 and a $500,000 team buyout.
“Adding an established left-hander like Brent to our bullpen gives us more depth and flexibility,” said Krall. “We value his experience and his ability to pitch to soft contact.”
While much will be made his Cincinnati roots, hailing from Anderson Township and Moeller High, and his Harvard education, it’s the numbers that matter the most to manager David Bell.
Suter went 4-3 with a 3.38 ERA over 57 appearances (two starts) and 69 1/3 innings in 2023 for the Colorado Rockies. His 3.26 ERA out of the bullpen ranked sixth among all left-handed relievers with a minimum of 60 innings pitched.
Something that appeals to Krall and Reds staff is the lack of hard contact that Suter surrenders. Last season, batters averaged only 84.0 mph exit velocity, which ranked second lowest among all Major League pitchers. His 26.4 hard-hit percentage ranked third lowest among pitchers with 60.0 innings pitched.
In parts of eight Major League seasons, Suter is 40-22 with a 3.49 ERA over 253 appearances with the Brewers (2016-2022) and Rockies (2023). Since his debut in 2016, he posted a 2.99 ERA in 212 appearances out of the bullpen.
There is versatility in case it’s needed as he has 192 2/3 innings as a starter, going 10-12 with a 4.20 ERA in 41 starts.
Suter grew up in Anderson Township, where he continues to live with his wife, Erin, and two sons, Liam and Layton. He is a 2008 graduate of Moeller High School, where, in addition to playing baseball, he also starred on the Crusaders’ basketball team. Brent graduated from Harvard University in 2012, earning his degree in environmental science and public policy.
To make room on the Reds’ roster, right-hander Daniel Duarte was designated for assignment.
