“I’ve been tagging all of [the social media memes],” said Maxwell
The Reds’ push for a National League Wild Card spot received a boost Friday with the call-up of 24-year-old reliever Zach Maxwell, known to fans as “Big Sugar.” Ranked as the team’s No. 24 prospect, Maxwell becomes the first player from Cincinnati’s 2022 Draft class to reach the big leagues.
The 6-foot-6, 275-pound right-hander has gained attention for his high-velocity fastball and larger-than-life personality. Earlier this year, he reached 101 mph during the Reds’ Spring Breakout win over Milwaukee and celebrated with a Roman emperor-style thumbs down, a moment that went viral among Reds fans.
Maxwell had a standout stretch in August for Triple-A Louisville, posting a 0.96 ERA and 13 strikeouts over 9 1/3 innings. On the year, his fastball has averaged 99 mph with minimal vertical drop—making it one of the most “rising” fastballs in baseball, drawing comparisons to elite arms like Mason Miller and Ryan Helsley.
“I’m not doing anything different,” Maxwell said. “Just attacking hitters, keeping it simple.”
Despite not pitching in Friday’s extra-inning loss to Arizona, Maxwell was thrilled to reunite with his family, including his 6-foot-10 father, Tom, a former Idaho State basketball player.
The nickname “Big Sugar” originated from a college broadcast during his time at Georgia Tech, and Maxwell has since embraced it.
Manager Terry Francona welcomed him with a bit of humor, calling him “Cornbread” in reference to former NBA player Cedric Maxwell—though the young pitcher didn’t get the reference. Still, Francona is hopeful Maxwell can provide a lift to the bullpen as the Reds sit 1.5 games out of a playoff spot.
Mason Miller’s Defensive Gem Lifts Padres Over Dodgers
August 22, 2025 — By AJ Cassavell
In a crucial matchup between division rivals, the Padres edged the Dodgers 2-1 at Petco Park, pulling them even atop the National League West with 33 games remaining. The highlight came in the eighth inning, when hard-throwing reliever Mason Miller helped turn a game-saving double play.
After walking two batters, Miller fielded a throw at first base and made a clean pick to complete the inning-ending double play with Shohei Ohtani looming. Initially ruled safe, the call was overturned on replay. The moment sent the packed stadium into a frenzy.
Miller, acquired for his 103 mph fastball, joked that he hadn’t played first base since Little League but was ready to help however he could. Starter Yu Darvish was dominant, allowing just one hit over six innings—an early home run by Alex Freeland.
The Padres’ offense was minimal but timely, scoring both runs in the fourth on a sacrifice bunt, a sac fly, and an RBI single by Manny Machado. San Diego’s bullpen held firm the rest of the way, with Robert Suarez earning his league-leading 34th save.
“It felt like a playoff game,” said Fernando Tatis Jr. “Everyone understood how big this one was.”
Manager Mike Shildt praised the complete effort, crediting Darvish, the defense, and the bullpen for sealing a gritty win that had all the intensity of October baseball.
About the Author
