The Boston Red Sox recently shuffled around their bullpen and added a key piece of Triple-A depth to their 40-man roster ... only for a different opportunity to come along when Twins reliever Jorge Alcala became available. That led to an abrupt about-face, and the Cincinnati Reds might've gained a reliable arm in the wreckage.
Boston ended up DFA'ing Brian Van Belle after a solid season at Triple-A Worcester, in which he threw 51 innings (12 outings/eight starts) while maintaining a 2.29 ERA. Van Belle doesn't strike out many (41). He doesn't overwhelm anyone. But the changeup is legitimate, and he can soak up innings efficiently.
Is his future in the 'pen as a bulk reliever? Maybe he sparks a bit in spot starts? Either way, the Reds will now get the opportunity to see exactly what Van Belle can provide in 2025 and beyond.
And he'll have a pretty good mentor in Cincy, considering his arsenal already feels very reminiscent of 2024-25 offseason addition Brady Singer.
Brian Van Belle is a low-velo, lower-slot RHP who’s excelled with elite command in AAA.
CH looks legitimately filthy, really nice shape. Oddly enough, I think there might be some meat on the bone with the 4SFB.
The arsenal kind of reminds me a bit of… Brady Singer
Reds' latest trade acquisition Brian Van Belle will give Cincinnati fans Brady Singer vibes
The 28-year-old righty out of Miami will report to Triple-A Louisville first, but he'll now occupy a 40-man spot for the Reds, and might just hop on the big-league shuttle if injuries hit/the trade deadline rocks the roster.
Van Belle's arsenal finally clicked this season after several middling years from 2021 to present. His 2024 season, also spent entirely at Triple-A Worcester, featured too many hits per innings pitched (109 in 93 2/3) and scattered control (30 walks). He got those issues handled this season, though, walking just seven men in 51 frames. He's also gotten his early-career home run problem under control, following up seasons of 33 and 27 blasts allowed with just 10 last season (and seven thus far in 2025).
Wade Miley was recently imported by the Reds to help manage some of their rotation anxiety, but consider Van Belle officially available as a panacea to their uncertainty the next time something arises. Expect him to get a look this season, as well as a chance to ehance his arsenal by speaking with Singer about the particulars of his advanced change.
