CINCINNATI — In a move that caught fans off guard and sent waves of excitement through Reds Nation, Cincinnati has re-signed a familiar face who once stood tall as one of their most dependable arms.
Veteran reliever Buck Farmer, who just weeks ago was released by the Los Angeles Angels after a rough stint in Triple-A, is officially back with the Reds. And while the contract isn’t front-page flashy, the impact could be huge.
This is more than just a reunion — it’s a redemption arc.
Once teetering on the edge of baseball’s exit ramp, Farmer is now being welcomed back to a city where he’s already earned respect. Between 2022 and 2024, the 34-year-old right-hander was a key piece in Cincinnati’s bullpen, with his best stretch coming last season when he posted a 3.04 ERA across 61 appearances, often bridging the gap between chaos and closer.
At one point, Buck Farmer was nearly out of the league altogether. After being released by Detroit in 2021, his future was uncertain. But the Reds took a chance, and it paid off — big time. His return now feels not just logical, but emotional. The fans remember the fire, the fight, and the quiet confidence he brought to the mound.
What makes this move even more compelling is the timing.
The Reds are battling through bullpen injuries and navigating a tight playoff race. And in the middle of that, they didn’t just sign any arm. They brought back a bullpen warrior — someone who knows the pressure, thrives under lights, and has already worn the uniform with pride.
Farmer is expected to begin at Triple-A Louisville, but if he shows signs of his old self, don’t be surprised if he’s back in Cincinnati sooner than later, especially as the team gears up for a potential October run.
For fans who love gritty comebacks, for teammates who value reliability, and for a front office looking for upside without overpaying, this was the smart deadline move that makes sense on every level.
This isn’t just a contract. It’s a second chance — for both Buck Farmer and the Reds.
And sometimes, in baseball, those are the stories that matter most when October comes calling.
