The Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen shuffle has taken a surprising twist as left-handed reliever Joe La Sorsa has decided to part ways with the organization. Rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Louisville, La Sorsa has elected free agency, opening the door to a fresh start with another club.
A Short and Difficult Stint in Cincinnati
La Sorsa’s time in a Reds uniform was brief and challenging. After signing a minor league deal in the offseason, the 26-year-old was promoted to the active roster in June but struggled to gain traction. In just five appearances and 6 2/3 innings, he posted a 10.80 ERA, surrendering four home runs while walking more batters than he struck out.
The Reds used him sparingly, often in short bursts, which made it difficult for the lefty to find consistency. His major league stint ended almost as quickly as it began, culminating in a DFA (designated for assignment) earlier this week.
Why He Chose to Leave
Once La Sorsa cleared waivers, he had the option of accepting an outright assignment to Louisville. Because he had already been outrighted once before in his career, he also had the right to reject the assignment and test free agency. He chose the latter — a move that caught some Reds fans off guard but may prove wise for his career.
The decision not only allows him to hit the open market immediately but also gives him the chance to audition for another team before the 2025 season officially wraps up.
Track Record and Potential
Despite his struggles in Cincinnati, La Sorsa has shown flashes of potential. He compiled a 4.47 ERA across 50 1/3 innings in 2023–24 with the Rays and Nationals, proving that he can handle big league lineups in the right role. Even more encouraging is his body of work in Triple-A, where he owns a career 2.88 ERA over 134 1/3 innings.
While his strikeout numbers have been modest (19.05% K rate), and he’s battled control issues this year with Louisville, La Sorsa still offers left-handed bullpen depth — a valuable commodity in today’s game. With one minor league option year still available, he remains an attractive low-risk pickup for a club willing to give him another chance.
What This Means for the Reds
For Cincinnati, La Sorsa’s departure frees up space on the roster as they continue to juggle relievers late in the season. The Reds have used a revolving door approach with their bullpen throughout 2025, and his exit may simply be part of a larger effort to find stability as they push through the final stretch.
What’s Next for La Sorsa?
With free agency now open to him, La Sorsa could draw interest from teams looking for immediate depth or those planning ahead for 2026. His combination of major league experience and minor league success suggests he won’t remain unsigned for long.
For Reds fans, the move signals the end of a short chapter, but for La Sorsa, it represents a chance to reset and perhaps rediscover the form that once made him a promising bullpen option.
