The Cincinnati Reds are in a bit of a pickle. With a 44-53 record and a 7-game deficit to the final NL Wild Card spot, they're in desperate need of a shake-up. And according to The Athletic's C. Trent Rosecrans and Ken Rosenthal, that shake-up could come in the form of some strategic trading. The focus? Players with expiring contracts, of course.
But it's not just about clearing some space on the roster. The Reds are also looking to bring in some big-league talent that can make an impact in the near future. So, what's on the table? Let's take a closer look at some of the key players involved.
Brady Singer: A Workhorse with Questions
One name that immediately stands out is Brady Singer. The 29-year-old right-hander is one of the most expensive players on the roster, having made $12.75MM in his last year of arbitration. But things haven't gone according to plan for Singer this season. With a 4.56 ERA and a 19.2% strikeout rate, he's been a bit of a disappointment. And to make matters worse, he's been giving up homers like there's no tomorrow, with 21 in just 19 starts.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential trade-off. Singer's durability could be a huge plus for a team in need of reliable innings. But the question remains: can his struggles be turned around? In my opinion, it's a risk worth taking for a team looking to bolster their rotation. After all, who knows? Maybe a change of scenery will do Singer some good.
Eugenio Suarez: Power Hitter or Floundering Free Agent?
Then there's Eugenio Suarez, the follow-up to his 49-homer season. But things haven't gone as planned for Suarez this year. With a 35.8% strikeout rate and a -5 Defensive Runs Saved at third base, he's been more of a liability than an asset. And with an oblique injury costing him a month of action, it's clear that Suarez is in a bit of a slump.
The $15MM deal with a mutual $16MM option for next season makes this a tricky situation. Trading for Suarez would be a big bet that his power stroke returns in the final two months of the year. But in my opinion, it's a risk that could pay off. After all, who wouldn't want a power-hitting third baseman on their roster? The question is: is it worth the gamble?
Nathaniel Lowe: The Above-Average Bat
Enter Nathaniel Lowe, the veteran first baseman who carried an .895 OPS into June. But since then, he's fallen back to earth. Still, with a wRC+ of 114, Lowe remains a solid bat. And with a history of above-average performance, he'd fit nicely as a platoon bat or bench option for a contender.
What makes this especially interesting is the potential for a team to get a reliable bat without breaking the bank. In my opinion, Lowe is a smart pick-up for a team looking to add some depth to their lineup. And with his experience, he could be a valuable mentor for younger players as well.
Tyler Stephenson: The Power-Hitting Backstop
Then there's Tyler Stephenson, the longtime backstop who's been struggling ahead of his first foray into free agency. With a .238/.318/.359 slash line and -6 DRS behind the plate, Stephenson has been a bit of a disappointment. But make no mistake: he has power, with a strong 21.6% pulled air rate this year.
What makes this particularly intriguing is the potential for Stephenson to become a nice fallback for teams who miss out on Ryan Jeffers. In my opinion, Stephenson is a solid option for a team looking to add some depth to their catching position. And with his power potential, he could be a valuable asset in the right situation.
The Relievers: A High-Leverage Mix
Finally, there's the group of relievers, including Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguson, and Brock Burke. All three are pitching reasonably well and should find themselves on playoff teams after the deadline. Johnson, for instance, has a 4.23 ERA and five holds as a member of Cincinnati's high-leverage mix.
What makes this particularly interesting is the potential for these relievers to be traded to teams in need of left-handed help. Ferguson, for instance, has been reliable despite a dip in velocity, while Burke has been one of the most-used relievers in the league. In my opinion, these relievers are a smart pick-up for a team looking to bolster their bullpen.
A Shake-Up in the Making
So, there you have it: the Cincinnati Reds are looking to make some strategic moves at the trade deadline. With players like Singer, Suarez, Lowe, Stephenson, and the relievers on the table, there's plenty of intrigue to go around. But in my opinion, the real question is: can these moves help the Reds turn their season around? Only time will tell.
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for some big-name trades. With players like Singer and Suarez on the block, there's a chance for some blockbuster deals to shake up the league. But in my opinion, the real value lies in the strategic picks-up that can help a team like the Reds climb back into contention. After all, sometimes a little bit of smart trading can go a long way.
