Roansy Contreras, a once-promising pitching prospect, has been designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds to make room for newly acquired infielder Gavin Lux. This marks the third time this offseason that Contreras has been placed on waivers, leaving questions about his future in the league.
How Roansy Contreras’ Career Took a Downward Turn
At just 25 years old, Contreras’ career has seen a rapid decline after a strong start. Once ranked as the No. 71 prospect on MLB Pipeline’s Top-100 list in 2022, he debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates with a solid 3.79 ERA across 95 innings. His six-pitch arsenal—featuring a sweeper, sinker, and a 95 mph fastball—showcased his potential as a rotation anchor.
However, his performance faltered in subsequent seasons. In 2023, Contreras posted an ERA of 6.59, paired with a below-average 18.5% strikeout rate and a concerning 1.4 home runs allowed per nine innings. His inability to command his pitches consistently led to struggles with his slider, which yielded a staggering .645 slugging percentage to opposing hitters in 2024.
After starting the 2024 season in Pittsburgh’s bullpen, Contreras was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, where he worked as a long reliever. Despite flashes of promise—including two saves and a few strong outings—his overall performance remained inconsistent, finishing the year with a 4.33 ERA.
The Reds’ Move: Lux In, Contreras Out
The Reds’ decision to designate Contreras comes in the wake of their acquisition of Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lux, a versatile infielder known for his solid offensive production (.276/.346/.399 career slash line), is expected to strengthen Cincinnati’s infield. In return, the Reds parted with minor-league outfielder Mike Sirota, a 21-year-old prospect who has yet to make his professional debut.
To make room for Lux on the 40-man roster, the Reds opted to DFA Contreras, a move that reflects the challenges of managing limited roster spots in the offseason. This marks yet another setback for the former top prospect, who has already been designated for assignment by the Angels and Rangers this winter.
Why Contreras May Still Attract Interest
Despite his struggles over the past two seasons, Contreras remains an intriguing option for teams looking for affordable pitching depth. His six-pitch mix, which includes a four-seam fastball, sinker, and sweeper, gives him the tools to succeed if he can refine his command and improve his consistency. Some teams may see him as a potential bulk reliever or a candidate for low-leverage innings to rebuild his confidence.
However, his declining peripherals remain a concern. Contreras’ 10.5% walk rate and persistent home run issues make him a risky addition for teams seeking immediate results. Still, at just 25 years old, he may attract interest from clubs willing to invest in his development for the long term.
What’s Next for Roansy Contreras?
The Reds now have five days to trade Contreras or place him on outright waivers. If he clears waivers, he could be assigned to the minors, where he would have an opportunity to work on his mechanics and regain his form. If claimed by another team, Contreras might find himself in a relief role or at the back end of a rotation, depending on the pitching needs of his new organization.
For the Reds, this move signals their commitment to bolstering their roster with immediate contributors like Lux, even at the expense of a once-promising arm. As for Contreras, his journey from top prospect to waiver wire regular underscores the unforgiving nature of professional baseball, where potential alone is rarely enough to secure long-term success.
Contreras’ Decline: A Cautionary Tale
Roansy Contreras’ situation serves as a reminder of the volatility of MLB careers. In just two years, he has gone from being a key piece in the Pirates’ rotation to bouncing between teams in search of a permanent home. Teams may still see value in Contreras’ raw tools, but his struggles with command and consistency highlight the fine margins that separate promising prospects from sustainable major league contributors.
As the offseason progresses, Contreras’ next destination will be closely watched. Whether he finds stability with a team that can unlock his potential or continues to bounce around the league, his story will remain a compelling subplot in the ever-evolving MLB offseason landscape.
