The Cincinnati Reds have signed left-handed pitcher Drew Parrish to a minor league contract. Parrish spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Braves organization, appearing in 27 games at Double-A and two at Triple-A.
A former 8th-round draft pick from Florida State by the Kansas City Royals in 2019, Parrish progressed through their farm system and reached Triple-A but never made it to the majors. After the Royals released him following the 2023 season, he signed with Atlanta during minor league free agency in November.
Parrish had a solid first half of the 2024 season at Double-A Mississippi but truly excelled in the second half. From June 26 through the end of the season, he pitched 46.0 innings, splitting time between the rotation and a multi-inning relief role. During that stretch, he posted a 2.15 ERA, striking out 47 batters while walking just nine. Opponents hit only .204/.247/.287 against him, managing just six extra-base hits. After the 2024 season, Parrish became a free agent.
His pitching arsenal doesn’t stand out in terms of velocity. His fastball sits in the upper 80s to low 90s, occasionally reaching 93-94 MPH. He also features a slider, changeup, and a slow curveball that ranges from the upper 60s to low 70s.
The Reds, like most teams, are always seeking pitching depth. During the 2024 season, they used 31 pitchers and one position player, Luke Maile, to cover 1,428 innings. Ten of those pitchers (plus Maile) appeared in fewer than five games as the team cycled through options. Parrish provides Cincinnati with another depth piece, particularly if he can replicate his strong second half of 2024, where he primarily thrived as a multi-inning reliever.
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