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Could Zack Godley have a rotation spot with the Cincinnati Reds?

By Kevin Henry

Apr 28, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Zack Godley (46) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Zack Godley (46) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to reports, the Cincinnati Reds have inked right-handed pitcher Zack Godley to a minor league deal. Now the question becomes can the soon-to-be 32-year-old Godley rediscover himself in a Reds uniform and make an impact for Cincinnati in 2022 and beyond.

The Cincinnati Reds are taking a chance that Zack Godley can get his pitching back on track at the Major League level in 2022

With the Cincinnati Reds reportedly signing Godley to a minor league deal, Cincinnati is adding potential starting pitching depth as Godley has started 89 of the 138 games in which he has appeared since his MLB debut on July 23, 2015. However, he also has relief work to his credit with his four former teams (Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and Toronto Blue Jays).

He last pitched in the Major Leagues for Milwaukee in 2021, but threw just 3.1 innings while giving up seven runs (six earned) and a pair of home runs. After being sent to Triple-A, Godley elected free agency and signed with both Cleveland and the New York Mets last season, but never saw action with either club on the MLB level.

Godley was strong for Arizona in 2017 and 2018 before struggling mightily in 2019, with the Diamondbacks eventually designating him for assignment in August of that year.

Over the last two seasons, Godley has pitched just 32.0 innings.

With Cincinnati, Godley will likely provide depth at the Triple-A level, provided he shows well once spring training begins. As mentioned in this MLBTradeRumors.com article, there has been plenty of buzz this offseason about the Reds potentially trading off starting pitchers such as Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo. Should Cincinnati make some deals and Godley prove he can get Major League batters out in spring training, there could be an opening for him with the Reds.

Godley also showed well during his time in Toronto coming out of the bullpen, allowing 15 hits in 16.0 innings as opponents hit .246 off him. However, the long ball continued to be an issue as he gave up two with the Blue Jays as well.

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Over his last 124.0 innings at the Major League level, opponents have hit 25 home runs off Godley. He will need to show improvement in that department to have a chance to make an impact with the Reds.

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