Position: RHP
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 247 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 12/25/1992
College: University of West Alabama
How Acquired: Minor League Free Agent
Drafted: 2nd round, 71st Overall, 2015 (Reds)
Bonus: $432,950
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
Minor League Free Agency: 2025
Options Left: N/A
Overview
The Reds drafted Rainey in the second round in 2015 after he transferred from a Division I school to Division II West Alabama and had a big year as a closer and first baseman. At the time, he threw a mid-90s fastball and above-average slider, and it was thought he could become a starter by picking up a change. The Reds tried him as a starter at the lower levels and it didn’t go well, but he was much more effective as a reliever. He reached the majors with Cincinnati, but appeared in only eight games with them before they traded him to Washington. Rainey spent most of 2019-24 in the Nationals’ bullpen, pitching well in some seasons and not in others.
Prior to Tommy John surgery in 2022, Rainey threw 96-98 mph, reaching triple digits. When he returned in 2024, he averaged 94. His best pitch at this point appears to be the slider. He’s thrown a change only occasionally. In most years, he’s had high walk and K rates. Rainey has had a significant platoon split in the majors, likely due to reliance on the slider. The Pirates signed him to a minor league deal for 2025.
2015-16
The Reds tried Rainey as a starter in advanced rookie ball in 2015 and low A in 2016. It didn’t go especially well either year. He had a 4.27 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 2015, and a 5.57 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 2016.
2017-18
A move to the bullpen worked well for Rainey in 2017. He split the year between high A and AA, and allowed a total of just 29 hits in 62 innings, while fanning 104. He did walk 33. The success continued the next year in AAA, as Rainey posted a 2.65 ERA and 11.5 K/9, although walks remained an issue. Cincinnati called him up for two relief appearances in April and six more at other points in the season. He had a rough time in the majors, as he didn’t throw strikes. After the season, the Reds traded Rainey to Washington.
2019-20
Rainey opened 2019 in AAA and fanned 32 in just 18 innings. The Nationals called him up and he spent the rest of the season there. He managed a 3.91 ERA despite walking 7.1 per nine innings, helped by a 13.8 K/9. In the shortened 2020 season, he had his best major league showing, posting a 2.66 ERA in 20 outings with a 3.1 BB/9 and 14.2 K/9.
2021-23
Rainey’s next three season were plagued by injuries. He missed a week early in 2021, then missed a month at mid-season with a stress reaction in his tibia. He also got optioned to AAA briefly. In the majors, he walked 7.1 per nine innings and had an ERA of 7.39, although he still struck out 11.9 per nine.
In 2022, Rainey was pitching much better, with a 3.30 ERA through 29 games. He got his BB/9 down to 3.9. In mid-July, though, he went out for the year with a UCL sprain, and ultimately had Tommy John surgery. He returned late in 2023 to rehab in the minors, appearing in one game in the majors.
2024
Rainey spent all of 2024 with the Nationals, but with his velocity down wasn’t as effective. In 50 games, he had a 4.76 ERA and his K/9 dropped all the way to 7.8. He still walked 5.1 per nine. The Nationals non-tendered him after the season and the Pirates signed him to a minor league deal for 2025, with an invitation to major league spring training.
Stats
Transactions
June 9, 2015: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2nd round, 71st overall pick; signed on June 16.
April 20, 2018: Contract purchased by the Cincinnati Reds.
December 12, 2018: Traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the Washington Nationals for Tanner Roark.
November 22, 2024: Became a free agent.
December 8, 2024: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a minor league free agent.