The Cincinnati Reds and West Jefferson native Caleb Ferguson have agreed to terms on a one-year contract for the free agent reliever, pending a physical, sources confirm.
Terms were not immediately available.
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The 29-year-old, who brings a much-needed lefty presence to the Reds bullpen, spent last season with the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates, going 5-4 with a 3.58 ERA in 70 appearances. He has a 3.66 ERA and six saves in 333 career games the past seven seasons with five teams, including the Dodgers, Yankees and Astros.
He also has 12 postseason appearances.
Caleb Ferguson, here signing autographs during the Little League Classic last August, was 5-4 with a 3.58 ERA in 70 appearances for Pittsburgh and Seattle last season.
At West Jefferson, Ferguson told MLB.com that he learned how to throw the curveball by using a yo-yo. He had Tommy John surgery his senior year, but the Dodgers drafted him just a few weeks after the operation in the 38th round of the 2014 MLB draft. The West Virginia recruit decided against playing for the Mountaineers and instead signed a pro contract for $100,000.
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He made $3 million in 2025.
In addition to the curveball, Ferguson throws a fastball and slider, with an 8-10-mph separation between each pitch. His fastball ranges in the low 90s.
Ferguson is the third reliever the Reds have signed since the end of the season, joining former Cubs righty Keegan Thompson (one year, $1.3 million) and closer Emilio Pagán (returns on a two-year, $20 million deal).
He joins Sam Moll as one of only two lefty relievers on the big-league roster.
The Reds remain in the hunt for their most significant need: a reliable veteran hitter with pop.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds sign free agent, Columbus-area native Caleb Ferguson