Cincinnati Reds to sign pitcher Chris Paddack

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Reds are set to sign pitcher Chris Paddack following significant injuries in their starting rotation. Paddack was recently released by the Miami Marlins after struggling in his appearances this season.

Key points

Cincinnati Reds to sign pitcher Chris Paddack
Paddack was released by the Miami Marlins after 7 appearances
Reds facing injuries in their starting rotation

Cincinnati RedsMiami Marlins

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 03: Chris Paddack #33 of the Miami Marlins looks on during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at loanDepot park on May 03, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images The attrition within the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation has, apparently, finally become too much to bear. Hunter Greene is out until the All Star break, while Brandon Williamson only recently got sent to the 60-day IL for his shoulder ailment. Rhett Lowder, meanwhile, heard ‘clicking’ in his shoulder during his last start, and while an MRI didn’t reveal any structural damage, he’s being sent to the 15-day IL to let that simmer down. Meanwhile, Chase Petty is dealing with blister issues for the second time already this season, joining the blistered duo of Brady Singer and Nick Lodolo as that has plagued the rotation all spring. With that much inside drama, it became pretty clear the Reds would need to look outside their own ranks. According to Charlie Goldsmith on Wednesday afternoon, that will happen in the form of veteran righty Chris Paddack, who the Reds will reportedly sign. Paddack was recently released by the Miami Marlins just 7 appearances into the $4 million contract he signed with them this offseason. That was largely due to him yielding 26 ER in just 30.2 IP, I’d wager, though at least his 4.98 FIP is better than the 7.63 ERA he sported in that time. For his career, he’s a 4.79 ERA guy across 612.1 IP, and a fastball that once averaged right at 95 mph at its peak now sits at just 93 mph at age 30. It remains to be seen exactly what kind of deal this will be, though with the current rotation opening rolling around in just days it’s hard to see this being anything other than a big league deal. That will require some 40-man roster shuffling, if so, and it also remains to be seen just exactly how much the Reds will truly expect from a guy who has only managed to complete 5 IP once so far this season. If anything, I wonder if this is an indication that one of the current pitcher issues may well be more dire than we initially feared.

Q&A

Why are the Cincinnati Reds signing Chris Paddack?

The Reds are signing Chris Paddack due to multiple injuries in their starting rotation, including Hunter Greene and Brandon Williamson.

What were Chris Paddack's stats with the Miami Marlins?

Chris Paddack had a 7.63 ERA and allowed 26 earned runs in just 30.2 innings during his time with the Miami Marlins.

What type of contract will Chris Paddack sign with the Reds?

It is expected that Chris Paddack will sign a big league deal with the Cincinnati Reds, which may require roster adjustments.