The Cincinnati Reds signed right handed reliever Burke Badenhop to a big league deal today. That led to them needing to clear a 40-man roster spot for him and the Reds chose a curious option by designating left hander Ismael Guillon for assignment.
Guillon really struggled in his second half after a promotion to Bakersfield in 2014 where he had an ERA well over 6.00. His strikeout rate fell apart and was easily the worst of his career. With that said, he’s a left hander who has velocity and a plus offspeed pitch. Struggles or not, guys like that don’t grow on trees. And he’s still 22-years-old for another week.
On the Reds 40-man roster they have a few pitchers with limited upside who seem to be replaceable in the sense that there are always guys with similar profiles available to theirs available on minor league deals. Jason Bourgeois is a 33-year-old 5th outfielder who has a .627 career OPS in the big leagues. He brings speed and some defense to the table, but he doesn’t hit. Guys with that kind of profile are almost always available on minor league deals.
Guillon had his struggles, and he’s had them in the past as well, but it’s strange to see them DFA a 22-year-old left hander with potential while keeping several roster filler types who have profiles that are usually pretty easy to find someone just like them on the open market.
Perhaps Guillon clears waivers and the Reds can re-sign him. But it’s a strange risk to take.