The Cincinnati Reds are gearing up for a busy trade deadline, with a focus on players with expiring contracts. With a 44-53 record and a seven-game deficit in the NL Wild Card race, the Reds are in a position where they need to make some bold moves to boost their chances of making the playoffs. Here's a breakdown of the key players they might consider trading, along with my personal insights and opinions.
Brady Singer
Singer, a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher, is one of the most expensive players on the roster, having made $12.75 million in his last year of arbitration. However, his performance this season has been underwhelming, with a 4.56 ERA, 4.41 xFIP, and 4.37 SIERA across 19 starts. His 19.2% strikeout rate is the second-lowest of his career, and he's been plagued by home runs, giving up 21 in 130.2 innings, which is tied for the fifth-most in the league. Despite his struggles, his durability and workhorse nature could make him an attractive option for teams in need of reliable innings.
Personally, I think Singer's performance this season has been a disappointment, especially given his high salary. However, his durability and ability to pitch deep into games could be valuable assets for a team in contention. I'd be curious to see if there's a team willing to take a chance on him, especially if they can get him out of the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park.
Eugenio Suarez
Suarez, a veteran third baseman, has had a down year, with an 85 wRC+ through 271 plate appearances. His strikeout rate has skyrocketed to a career-worst 35.8%, and he's been a subpar defender at third base, with -5 Defensive Runs Saved. An oblique injury cost him a month of action, and he's almost certainly heading back to the free agent market this offseason. Trading for him would be a risky move, as his power stroke could return in the final two months of the year, but it's a risk worth taking for a team in need of a power-hitting third baseman.
In my opinion, Suarez's performance this season has been a stark contrast to his 49-homer season in the past. His elevated strikeout rate and subpar defense are concerning, but his power potential could be a game-changer for a team in need of a boost. I'd be interested to see if there's a team willing to take a chance on him, especially if they can get him to perform at his previous level.
Nathaniel Lowe
Lowe, a veteran first baseman, has been an above-average bat every season except last year, when he struggled with the Nationals and Red Sox. He's carried an .895 OPS into June but has fallen back to earth since then. His wRC+ still sits at a solid 114 before Saturday's game, making him a suitable platoon bat or bench option for a contender. Lowe's experience and consistency could be a valuable addition to a team's bench, providing depth and a reliable bat off the bench.
From my perspective, Lowe's performance this season has been a mixed bag. While he's had some ups and downs, his above-average bat and experience make him a valuable asset. I'd be open to the idea of trading for him, especially if he can provide a boost to a team's bench and offer a reliable bat off the bench.
Tyler Stephenson
Stephenson, the longtime backstop, has stumbled ahead of his first foray into free agency. He's slashing .238/.318/.359 across 74 games and has posted -6 DRS behind the plate. However, he's shown some power in his time with the Reds, with a strong 21.6% pulled air rate this year. Stephenson might be a nice fallback option for teams who miss out on Ryan Jeffers.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Stephenson to become a power-hitting catcher. His pulled air rate and home run potential could be a game-changer for a team in need of a reliable catcher. I'd be intrigued to see if there's a team willing to take a chance on him, especially if they can get him to perform at his previous level.
The Relievers
The Reds' relievers, including Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguson, and Brock Burke, seem like the most likely group to be moved. They're all pitching reasonably well and should find themselves on playoff teams after the deadline. Johnson has a 4.23 ERA but a concerning 6.24 xERA. Ferguson and Burke are likely to have the attention of teams looking for left-handed relief help. Ferguson has been reliable, despite a dip in velocity, and Burke has been one of the most-used relievers in the league.
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for these relievers to provide a boost to a team's bullpen. Their reasonable performance and playoff potential make them attractive options for teams in need of relief help. I'd be curious to see if there's a team willing to take a chance on them, especially if they can provide a reliable arm in the bullpen.
In conclusion, the Cincinnati Reds are in a position where they need to make some bold moves to boost their chances of making the playoffs. Trading players with expiring contracts, such as Brady Singer, Eugenio Suarez, Nathaniel Lowe, and the relievers, could provide a boost to a team's roster. While these trades may come with risks, they could also bring valuable assets and depth to a team in need. It'll be interesting to see how the Reds navigate the trade deadline and whether they can make the necessary moves to secure a playoff spot.
