Connor Overton will join his third organization in the past year after agreeing to a minor-league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, which includes a non-roster invitation to spring training, according to a source.
Overton, a 28-year-old right-hander, is the first non-roster invitee to camp the Reds have signed this winter. He pitched in nine games with the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates last season. He made three spot starts, all against the Reds, and allowed eight runs and 14 hits in 15 1/3 innings (4.70 ERA). He struck out 15 and walked five.
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He could compete for a role with the Reds as a multi-inning reliever. He spent most of last season at Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate and posted a 2.03 ERA in 57 2/3 innings while striking out 50.
The Reds are searching for bullpen depth this offseason after losing two of their top closer options, Michael Lorenzen and Mychal Givens, to free agency. Lorenzen is hopeful a team will give him a chance in a starting role and isn’t expected to return. Givens should attract interest from teams because of his versatility in closer and setup man roles.
Pittsburgh claimed Overton off waivers in September. He was outrighted off the Pirates’ 40-man roster on Nov. 5 and elected free agency.
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