1 controversial trade the Reds should make before the 2026 deadline and 1 they must avoid

When you look up and down the Cincinnati Reds roster, there are more than half a dozen players on expiring contracts who are viewed as potential trade candidates ahead of the August 3 deadline. But if the Reds really want to move the needle, it's going to take something a bit more controversial.

The Reds are not immune to contentious trades. Last year's deadline deal to acquire Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates certainly fits that description, and Cincinnati's past is littered with trades that many might consider somewhat vexing.

While Cincinnati should certainly look to offload any and all players who are set to be free agents next season, that can't be their only motivation. Let's look at one controversial trade the Reds should make before the deadline passes, and one — while tempting — they must avoid.

1 controversial trade the Reds should make before the 2026 deadline

The Reds should attach Cam Collier to a rental in order to maximize the return.

The Reds pride themselves in clinging to their top prospects — oftentimes to a fault. The Reds made the bold decision to include shortstop Sammy Stafura as part of the package for Hayes last season, and after a slow start, he's now hitting .276/.370/.573 in the minor leagues.

But if the Reds truly hope to compete in 2027 as they claim, they need to make some meaningful additions at this year's trade deadline. Though some of their rentals like Tyler Stephenson and Brady Singer are bound to bring back some talented players, including top prospect Cam Collier in one of their deadline moves could increase the return.

Collier was the Reds' first-round pick in 2022, and unfortunately, is in the midst of playing his worst stretch of baseball as a professional. He's currently hitting .216/.305/.393 at Double-A Chattanooga, but has 13 home runs and 60 RBI on the season.

Collier is still just 21 years old and has the pedigree to become a star in the big leagues. But with Hayes, Sal Stewart, and Spencer Steer all under team control for at least the next two seasons, there's already somewhat of a logjam at the infield corners.

Throw in the fact that Collier is Rule 5 eligible this coming offseason and would need to be added to the team's 40-man roster, and one can understand why Cincinnati might want to include their former top pick in a trade deadline deal.

1 controversial trade the Reds must avoid before the 2026 deadline

The Reds don't need to trade Hunter Greene (yet).

Since returning from the injured list, Hunter Greene has heard his name tossed about as potential trade deadline target for a number of pitcher-needy teams. With Tarik Skubal and Joe Ryan likely staying put, the demand for Greene has reportedly begun to grow.

But the Reds shouldn't take the bait. Yes, Greene has been injury prone for most of his career, but when he's on the mound, he's easily one of the best pitchers in baseball. He's also on a bargain contract that runs through the 2029 season.

That's the window the Reds should be focused on. Over the next three seasons, Cincinnati will have Greene, Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, and Chase Burns all under contract. Add the club's top prospect Alfredo Duno — who's likely to arrive sometime during the latter-part of the 2027 season — and the Reds have the making of something special.

The money owed to both Jeimer Candelario and Eugenio Suárez will be coming off the books heading into next season. That's $30 million in cash that will be freed up, though most of it will likely help pay for the increased salaries of Greene, De La Cruz, and Andrew Abbott.

Outside of Greene, Burns, Hayes, and Jose Trevino, the Reds have no money committed beyond this season. Singer's $12.75 million will also be gone next year, along with the combined salaries of Stephenson, Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguson, and Brock Burke (~$19 million).

In other words, if the Reds make the right moves at this year's trade deadline, they'll have plenty of funds (and talent) available heading into 2027 to offset almost any loss. But if you think the Reds can afford to replace Greene in free agency, I've got some oceanfront property in Arizona to sell you.

The 1-2 punch of Greene and Burns is as imposing as any other throughout baseball. Yes, health is a concern — it always is with pitchers. But the Reds don't have the luxury to trade Greene and hit the reset button. Not while De La Cruz is still part of the roster.

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