Reiver Sanmartin hasn’t pitched in the majors since May 7, 2023. The left-hander struggled early in his second MLB season before landing on the injured list with an elbow injury. He underwent UCL surgery midway through the year and was released by the Reds shortly after.
However, Cincinnati quickly brought him back on a minor-league deal, allowing him to rehab throughout the season. After the All-Star break, Sanmartin began a rehab assignment with stints in the Arizona Complex League, High-A Dayton, and eventually rejoined the Louisville Bats by late July.
The Reds took a cautious approach with his recovery, limiting him to short outings of fewer than two innings and keeping his pitch count below 25 in all but one appearance. While 2024 was focused on getting him healthy, Sanmartin could still make an impact on the Reds’ roster in 2025.
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Last year, Sanmartin pitched in 21 minor league games, including two starts. Considering the Reds’ pitching depth, any role he takes on next season will likely be in relief. Though his 6.33 ERA and 1.547 WHIP were less than impressive, the left-hander still managed to strike out eight batters per nine innings.
With Justin Wilson’s departure, the Reds lack the bullpen depth they had in 2024. Last season, former manager David Bell had three left-handed relievers — Wilson, Sam Moll, and Brent Suter — at his disposal. Now, with Wilson gone via free agency, the Reds are down to just two lefty relievers.
Sanmartin is likely to receive a non-roster invitation to spring training, giving him a chance to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Outside of Moll, Suter, Alexis Díaz, and Emilio Pagán, the rest of the bullpen arms will be fighting for a place on the team. When at his best, Sanmartin excels at inducing soft contact and generating ground balls — skills that suit the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park well.
Although he hasn’t garnered much attention this offseason, it’s too early to write off Sanmartin’s chances of breaking camp with the big-league team in 2025. At the very least, he will provide valuable depth at Triple-A. With minor-league options still available, the Reds could shuttle him between Cincinnati and Triple-A on I-71 if he returns to the 40-man roster.
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