What's Happening?
The Cincinnati Reds have signed Hagen Danner, a former catcher turned pitcher, to bolster their bullpen. Danner, originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays as a catcher, transitioned to pitching after his batting performance declined. He made a brief appearance in the major leagues with the Blue Jays in 2023 but was released in 2024. Danner spent the 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A affiliate, Tacoma, where he posted a 5.59 ERA. Despite this, his ability to strike out 10 batters per nine innings in the minors shows potential. The Reds announced Danner's signing as part of their spring training invite list, indicating their interest in developing his pitching skills further.
Why It's Important?
This signing is significant for the Cincinnati Reds as
they seek to enhance their bullpen depth with low-risk, high-reward players. Danner's transition from catcher to pitcher is a unique story in baseball, and his potential to develop into a reliable reliever could benefit the Reds' pitching staff. The move reflects the team's strategy to identify and cultivate talent that may have been overlooked by other organizations. If successful, Danner could become a valuable asset for the Reds, providing them with a cost-effective solution to strengthen their bullpen without significant financial investment.
What's Next?
Danner will join the Reds for spring training, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his pitching abilities and earn a spot on the major league roster. The Reds' coaching staff will likely focus on refining his pitching mechanics and improving his consistency on the mound. If Danner performs well during spring training, he could secure a role in the Reds' bullpen for the upcoming season. The team's management will monitor his progress closely, hoping that his transition from catcher to pitcher will pay off and contribute positively to their pitching lineup.
