Left-handed pitcher has chosen free agency, as shown in his transaction log on MLB.com. The Reds had designated him for assignment on Monday to make room for Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Matt McLain, who were returning from the injured list. The Reds also designated Amed Rosario for assignment on Monday, though his situation remains unresolved; he’ll automatically become a free agent once the World Series ends, making any further actions unnecessary.
Unlike Rosario, Leibrandt could have remained under team control if claimed by another team. However, it was anticipated he’d go unclaimed and re-enter the market for a minor league contract. The 31-year-old joined the Reds’ roster as a depth pitcher in late August, appearing in two major league games where he allowed seven runs over 6 1/3 innings. His only other MLB experience was with the Marlins during the pandemic season, totaling nine runs in 15 1/3 innings, with nine walks and eight strikeouts.
Leibrandt was pitching in independent leagues before the Reds signed him to a minor league deal in May. Serving as a depth starter for Triple-A Louisville, he posted a 4.41 ERA across 83 2/3 innings in a hitter-friendly setting, striking out 22.7% of batters and maintaining a 6% walk rate. This performance might earn him another minor league opportunity.
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