Reds Acquire Veteran Reliever Taylor Rogers from Giants in Trade Deal

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for minor league right-hander Braxton Roxby and $6 million in cash considerations, according to reports.

Rogers, 34, has been one of the league’s most consistent left-handed relievers since 2016, posting a 3.34 ERA over 490 2/3 innings. Known for his ability to strike out batters (28.2% career strikeout rate) and induce ground balls (46.3% ground ball rate), Rogers has also recorded 98 holds and multiple 30-save seasons during his career.

“Taylor brings a wealth of experience and reliability to our bullpen,” said a Reds spokesperson. “His track record speaks for itself, and we believe he can be a key piece for us moving forward.”

Rogers spent the past two seasons with the Giants, where he posted a 3.83 ERA in 2023 and improved to a 2.40 ERA in 2024. However, underlying metrics suggest some regression may be on the horizon. His average fastball velocity has declined steadily, from 95.7 mph in 2021 to 93 mph last season, while his strikeout rate has also dropped from 35.7% in 2021 to 25.7% in 2024.

“His 2024 ERA might be a bit misleading,” said an MLB analyst. “His strand rate of 81.8% was well above the league average, and his 3.75 FIP and 3.47 SIERA suggest he benefited from some luck.”

In return, the Giants receive Braxton Roxby, a 25-year-old prospect who spent the 2024 season in Double-A Chattanooga. The $6 million sent to Cincinnati will help offset Rogers’ remaining salary, which includes $12 million in 2025 and 2026.

The Reds, who currently have a full 40-man roster, will need to make additional moves to accommodate Rogers and other offseason acquisitions. Fans have expressed mixed reactions to the trade, with some praising the addition of a proven reliever and others questioning the long-term value of the deal.

“This could be a low-key pickup that really helps the Reds,” said one fan. “But his declining velocity and strikeout numbers are a concern.”

Rogers, who previously played with his twin brother Tyler Rogers in San Francisco, will now join a Reds bullpen looking to improve after a challenging 2024 season.