Reds Acquire Reliever Taylor Rogers in Trade with Giants

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cincinnati Reds bolstered their bullpen Wednesday by acquiring left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers in a trade with the San Francisco Giants. In exchange, the Reds sent minor league reliever Carson Roxby to the Giants, continuing their offseason efforts to rebuild under new manager Terry Francona.

Rogers, 34, brings closing experience and could either take over as the Reds’ closer or join a committee with incumbent Alexis Díaz. Last season, Rogers posted a 2.40 ERA in 60 innings for the Giants, striking out 64 batters while walking 20. San Francisco, seeking to shed payroll, moved Rogers and his $12 million salary to Cincinnati.

The Reds, who traded right-hander Luis Cessa and lost right-hander Buck Farmer to free agency, targeted bullpen depth this offseason. Rogers, known for his sinker-slider combination, has been a reliable arm over his nine-year career, which includes stints with the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, and Giants.

Rogers’ journey to Cincinnati marks his fifth team. He began his career with the Twins, was traded to the Padres in 2022, moved to the Brewers three months later, and signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Giants before the 2023 season.

Meanwhile, the Giants are undergoing a roster overhaul under new president of baseball operations Pete Putila, who replaced Farhan Zaidi. San Francisco recently signed shortstop Carlos Correa to a seven-year, $182 million contract and added right-hander Sean Manaea on a one-year, $15 million deal.

Carson Roxby, the 25-year-old reliever sent to the Giants, was signed by the Reds as an undrafted free agent. He impressed in his first minor league season in 2021, striking out 61 batters in 39⅔ innings. However, he struggled in Double-A last year, posting a 5.21 ERA over 48⅓ innings.

The Reds, who finished 77-85 last season, have been active this offseason. After firing manager David Bell, they hired Terry Francona, a future Hall of Famer who came out of retirement. In addition to acquiring Rogers, the Reds retained right-hander Lucas Sims and left-hander Reiver Sanmartin, traded for super-utility player Nick Senzel, right-handed starter Justin Dunn, and catcher Curt Casali, and signed outfielder Tommy Pham to a one-year, $5 million deal.

To make room for Rogers, the Reds designated right-hander Jared Solomon for assignment.