Red Sox reliever Burke Badenhop signs with the Reds

Burke Badenhop, possibly the most effective reliever for the 2014 Red Sox, has signed with the Cincinnati Reds. Badenhop signed a one year deal for $1 million with an $4 million option for 2016 with a $1.5 million buyout.

Though the Red Sox have a starting rotation who are primarily ground ball pitchers, they parted ways with Badenhop who induced the seventh most groundballs in the majors among relievers last season. Despite his 2.29 ERA, and great groundball stats, the Red Sox still only went 25-45 in his appearances, albeit with 11 holds. In high leverage situations, meaning with the game on the line, he allowed a .318 batting average with a .779 OPS (.268 and .672 overall). He pitched with the third most inherited runners in the majors last season, 58, though none at all after August 22.

In any case, the fact the Red Sox had not signed him this close to Spring Training indicates they must not have wanted him that badly. Perhaps the Red Sox did not want to give him that second year option. Though Badenhop wanted to stay with the Red Sox longer, he was no longer in the team’s plans. In 2015 Badenhop will be pitching for his fifth team in five years.

Stay tuned to BoSoxInjection.com for coverage and analysis of all the Red Sox moves as they shape their roster for 2015.