The Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent right-hander to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026. While financial details were not officially disclosed, reports indicate the deal is worth $2.5 million.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Reds placed right-handed starter Julian Aguiar on the 60-day injured list. Aguiar, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October, is expected to miss the entire 2025 season.
Barlow, 32, posted a 3-3 record with a 4.25 ERA, two saves, 31 walks, and 68 strikeouts across 55 innings in 63 relief appearances last season for the Cleveland Guardians before being released in September. Over his career, he has compiled a 23-21 record with 58 saves, a 3.49 ERA, 164 walks, and 461 strikeouts in 387 innings across 365 relief outings with the Kansas City Royals (2018-23), San Diego Padres (2023), and Guardians (2024).
His best stretch came with the Royals from 2021-22, when he recorded a combined 12-7 record, 40 saves, a 2.30 ERA, and 168 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings.
Aguiar, 23, made seven starts as a rookie for Cincinnati last season, finishing 2-1 with a 6.25 ERA, 12 walks, and 19 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings.