Zach Buchanan

zbuchanan@enquirer.com

OXON HILL, Md. -- In their search for major-league relief help at the Winter Meetings, the Cincinnati Reds have inquired about free agent right-hander Neftali Feliz, according to a source. Talks are not thought to be close at this point, and the 28-year-old reliever may not be an ideal fit for Cincinnati.

The Reds aren't looking for a major financial commitment and would prefer handing out only a one-year deal. Feliz is currently asking for three. That's not unreasonable given his relative youth compared to other bullpen arms on the market, but the Reds appear to be more in search of a stopgap.

Feliz does have appealing qualities, beginning with age. He posted a 3.52 ERA and struck out more than 10 batters per nine innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, while pumping fastballs at an average of nearly 97 mph. It was a bounce-back campaign after injuries and poor performance ended his tenure as the closer for the Texas Rangers midway through the 2015 season. He spent the second half of that year with the Detroit Tigers, where he had a 7.62 ERA.

Feliz is hardly the only name the Reds are considering. Cincinnati needs more stability in the bullpen in 2017 -- and perhaps only for 2017, as prospects rise to the majors and find roles -- and can't afford a repeat of the bullpen's performance to start last season. But the Reds aren't that much closer to a signing than they were Monday, according to general manager Dick Williams.

“Sorry we’re boring," he said.