Reds sign Luke Weaver to 1-year deal reportedly worth $2M

The Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent right-hander Luke Weaver to a one-year contract, they announced Friday.

The deal is worth $2 million, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic.

Cincinnati designated infielder Matt Reynolds for assignment to create room for Weaver on the 40-man roster, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

Weaver adds depth to the rebuilding Reds pitching staff. He'll compete for a back-end rotation spot in spring training, but he also has experience pitching out of the bullpen. Additionally, he could serve as a swingman for manager David Bell.

The 29-year-old started last season on the injured list with an elbow problem. Once healthy, he made just 26 big-league appearances, all but one of which came in relief. Over 35 2/3 innings split between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals, Weaver posted an inflated 6.56 ERA but countered that with a career-best 2.69 FIP while striking out 38 batters to just 13 walks.

Kansas City lost Weaver to the Seattle Mariners on waivers in October. The Mariners non-tendered him the following month.

A former first-round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, Weaver owns a lifetime 24-36 record with a 4.79 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 462 strikeouts across 450 2/3 innings during seven big-league seasons.