Left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers is on his way to the Cincinnati Reds after a Wednesday trade, according to reports. In return, the San Francisco Giants received minor-league pitcher Braxton Roxby.
The Reds make a big addition to their bullpen by picking up the 34-year-old Rogers. The former All-Star is in the last year of his contract and is owed $12 million in 2025. It’s a move that appears to be about clearing cap space for the Giants, although they did receive the 25-year-old Roxby in return. He is a right-handed reliever who struggled in Double-A last year, but has shown flashes elsewhere in the minors.
The Rogers twins have been split up, leaving San Francisco with a large hole in their bullpen. Conversely, the Reds have added an important piece and are showing their intent to compete in 2025. Robert Murray of FanSided first reported the news.
Trade: The Cincinnati Reds are acquiring reliever Taylor Rogers from the San Francisco Giants for right-hander Braxton Roxby, according to sources familiar with the deal.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 29, 2025
How the Taylor Rogers Trade Impacts the Reds
The Reds bullpen had an ERA of 4.09 last year, ranking them in the bottom half of the league. Rogers not only brings across much-needed experience but results too. He had the best year of his career in 2024, pitching 60 innings to a 2.40 ERA. His sinker-sweeper mix consistently produced weak contact. He was in the 91st percentile for exit velocity and 90th for hard-hit percentage. Also, adding a left-handed option in the bullpen is a positive. Cincinnati currently has the experienced pair of Sam Moll and Brent Suter to provide left-handed relief, but it is hard to turn down a third option.
The Giants are also said to be sending over money as a part of the deal. Even so, he will likely be their third or fourth highest-paid player. Plus, the deal is likely to push the Reds’ total payroll over $110 million for the first time since 2022. It’s clear Reds ownership feels they can compete in 2025, and with an impressive core of young players, it’s very easy to see why.
Can confirm Robert’s report. The Reds will also receive money from the Giants https://t.co/FeyMNJ5jCX
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) January 29, 2025
The Impact of Rogers’ Loss on the Giants
A team already struggling for left-handed relievers, many Giants fans may feel this is a strange move. San Francisco appears to be clearing cap space with the deal, particularly since Roxby was ranked as the 44th-best Reds prospect. Giants ownership has made its plans to cut payroll this year clear, but many will speculate whether this move paves the way for a potential free-agent signing. The team recently signed Joey Lucchesi to a minor league deal as a left-handed option, but Erik Miller now faces pressure to build on his promising 2024 season.
The consequences of this deal for the Giants are yet unknown. LaMonte Wade Jr. remains in trade rumors, which could clear the way for Pete Alonso. However, the Giants’ front office has made it clear they don’t want to block Bryce Eldridge‘s rapid climb to the major leagues. Jack Flaherty‘s landing spot continues to remain a mystery, but after their failed pursuit of Corbin Burnes, San Francisco feels like a good landing spot.
Andrew Baggarly has since reported the Giants have no plans to reinvest the money saved and that they sent $6 million over in the trade.
Just talked to Posey. He said he hated breaking up the Rogers twins, but they wanted to create chances for younger arms in the bullpen. Doesn’t sound like there are plans to reinvest the $6M SF saved. “We’ll keep looking. I will say, we feel pretty set with the roster the way it is right now.”
— Andrew Baggarly (@andrewbaggarly.bsky.social) January 29, 2025 at 5:47 PM
This of course does not rule out future deals, but it is a point Posey has made very clear. He is happy with the young arms available to him in 2025.
Photo Credit: © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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