In the 2024 MLB season, the Cincinnati Reds, a team in the midst of rebuilding and seeking to bolster their pitching staff for a potential playoff push, make a surprising move by claiming right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras off waivers. Contreras, 24, had been a promising young arm for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he had been designated for assignment after struggling with consistency and injuries in the early part of 2024. Subscribe to our newsletter!
Roansy Contreras’ Background:
Roansy Contreras was originally signed by the New York Yankees as an international free agent in 2016. However, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018 as part of a package for Jameson Taillon. By 2021, Contreras had emerged as one of the Pirates’ top pitching prospects, thanks to a fastball that could touch 98 mph and a promising curveball. His stock continued to rise in 2022 when he made his MLB debut for the Pirates, quickly showing flashes of potential as a starter.
Despite his promise, Contreras has faced some hurdles in his young career. His 2023 season was marred by inconsistency, including a significant dip in his strikeout rate and struggles to command his pitches in key situations. In 2024, he began the season in the Pirates’ rotation but was demoted to the bullpen after continuing to struggle with command and control. The Pirates, in need of roster space and with limited options in their pitching depth chart, made the decision to designate Contreras for assignment in late June. Perhaps you’ve heard of his name due to him being DFA’d for the Pirates’ new ACE, Paul Skenes…yep, it was Roansy that took the dart for him.
The Reds’ Interest:
The Cincinnati Reds, who have been making strides with a young core of position players, have recognized the importance of adding controllable pitching talent to their roster. They had previously been in the market for a mid-rotation starter or high-upside bullpen arm, and Contreras, despite his inconsistency, represented an intriguing option with his power fastball and good secondary pitches.
The Reds’ front office, led by general manager Nick Krall, had scouted Contreras heavily while he was in the Pirates system and saw potential for development. The team’s pitching coach, Derek Johnson, had a strong track record of working with young pitchers and helping them unlock their potential. Johnson believed that with some mechanical adjustments and a more stable role, Contreras could become a valuable piece for the Reds’ pitching staff.
Contreras’ New Role with the Reds:
Contreras was added to the Reds’ 40-man roster and would be given a fresh opportunity to work under Johnson’s tutelage. If he could find consistency with his command, Contreras’ high-velocity fastball, plus curveball, and emerging changeup could help him become a key asset for the Reds out of the bullpen for the 2025 club.
Why the Reds Took a Chance on Contreras:
- High Upside: Despite his struggles, Contreras still has the raw stuff to become a strong major league pitcher. His strikeout potential, along with a fastball that can overpower hitters when he’s on, made him worth the gamble.
- Pitching Development: The Reds’ recent success in developing young pitchers like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft showed that their development system had been working. Contreras’ upside fit well with the team’s overall strategy of developing homegrown pitching talent.
- Cost-Effective: With Contreras out of options, the Reds could bring him in without making a long-term financial commitment. If the move didn’t work out, they could part ways without significant cost. This low-risk, high-reward nature of the move made it appealing. There’s a great chance he’ll be high on the list of “Re-DFA” candidates, too, and wouldn’t be the first time the Reds claimed a player then cut bait quick, especially with Contreras having no options remaining.
2024 Season Outlook:
Contreras would likely begin the second half of the season in a developmental role, either in the bullpen or as a spot starter. If he showed progress, the Reds might stretch him out as a starting option in 2025, when they were expected to contend for a postseason spot. The team remained hopeful that with some tweaks to his approach, Contreras could emerge as a long-term rotation piece alongside Greene and Lodolo.
As of the end of the 2024 season, Contreras would remain a player to watch. While his 2024 performance with the Reds could be uneven, the team was committed to giving him every chance to succeed and become part of their next generation of pitchers by adding him to the 40 man roster, for now…
