The Aug. 3 trade deadline is quickly approaching, and MLB trade buzz is beginning to heat up. The Cincinnati Reds are in a position this season to be sellers.
Considering where they are in the division and wild card race, the Reds’ playoff chances are slim. As a result, the Reds should look to use players who are playing their best baseball now to help achieve future success. With a farm system ranked in the bottom third of baseball, the Reds need to set themselves up for next year or boost their current pipeline.
The obvious play for the Reds is to move players who are on expiring contracts. Many suitable candidates on this roster fit that criterion, but others could offer some benefits if the price is right. There aren’t many untouchables in the dugout, and there are players at each position who could help bring in the future success of the Cincinnati Reds.
Brady Singer, Right-Handed Starting Pitcher
Starting pitching is always in high demand during the trade deadline.
With injuries and uncertainties, teams are always in need of arms to bolster their rotation. Brady Singer becomes a free agent after this season, and the Reds will be looking to move him to get something in return before he hits the market following this season. Being traded from the Kansas City Royals two seasons ago, Singer could be repping his third different team since being drafted 18th overall in 2018.
The righty has been the club’s best pitcher in the last two months. Leading all starters in ERA (2.76), walks per nine (2.96), opponent batting average (.206), and innings pitched (45.2), Singer has found his best baseball right in time for the deadline.
Over his last eight starts in June and July, he’s gone six or more innings in four of those. In his last two starts, he has pitched shut-out baseball going into the 8th against the Phillies and the 5th against the Rockies. Singer’s value is at an all-time high, and he doesn’t show signs of slowing down.
If Singer keeps pitching at this consistency, he could provide a strong opportunity for contending teams. Whether it’s pushing for a better playoff spot or going for a deep postseason run, the righty can add value as a starter or move into a reliever role.
Tyler Stephenson, Catcher
Tyler Stephenson is another player on this Reds team who has been playing his best baseball recently.
Stephenson’s .300 batting average is the second best on the team in June and July, trailing Jose Trevino, who is his backup. This is a big improvement from the previous two months, where he was hitting .212. With his contract expiring after this season and previous extension talks stalling, the Reds could look to move the catcher to get some value before he walks this offseason.
One of the most under-appreciated aspects of Stephenson’s game is his knowledge of the strike zone. The seventh-year man has been finding success with the new ABS challenge format. Stephenson is one of the best catchers in baseball when it comes to ABS challenging.
He currently has the most successful ABS challenges in all of baseball. Stephenson is ranked fourth in net-overturns-for, which refers to a player initiating the challenge and getting it changed to the correct ruling. He also ranks third in ABS net-runs-for, which accounts for the run value a player adds to their team with successful challenges.
For teams looking for a catcher to add value on both sides of the ball, Stephenson could be a good target. He’s hitting the baseball at a high rate and is one of the most dominant ABS challengers in the MLB. Any team would benefit from adding a catcher like Stephenson as their primary catcher or someone they use as a backup.
Spencer Steer, Infield/Outfield
Spencer Steer has been the talk of some recent trade conversations. Although he is under arbitration control for two more seasons after this year, the Reds have been receiving some interest in the 28-year-old. He will still be under contract with the ball club until 2029, so the urgency to move him will be different than someone who would be a free agent after this season.
Steer has been a versatile player for Cincinnati throughout his career. He has played in every position in a Reds uniform except shortstop, pitcher, and catcher. The former Gold Glove finalist at first base has been used a lot recently in the outfield. His ability to play all over the field could bring teams knocking on the door about his availability.
The fifth-year man out of Oregon’s biggest strength this season has been his bat against left-handed pitching. He is slashing .342/.442/.620 against southpaws this season. With his 96 at-bats against those arms, this batting average leads the team and is also second in all of MLB (minimum 90 ABs). Steer is elite against lefties, and teams are beginning to notice.
Brock Burke, Left-Handed Relief Pitcher
Brock Burke has been the workhorse of the Reds’ bullpen this season.
Appearing in the most games and pitching the most innings, Burke has been someone this team has leaned on several times this season. His 2.96 ERA is the second-best in the pen across his 48 appearances. With lefties out of the pen being a hot commodity, teams will be looking for experienced arms.
Being a free agent after this season, the Reds could look to cash in on his experience before the deadline. He’s been healthy all season and could help a team on the outside looking in make a late push for the postseason.
There are many pieces the Reds could look to move by the Aug. 3 deadline. With a lot of teams still in the mix for the playoffs, the Reds could find themselves in a good position to be a profitable seller. If the franchise can play its cards right, the 2026 trade deadline could bring a lot of positives for Cincinnati.
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