2 last-minute trades that would rescue Reds' playoff hopes and 1 that would ruin them

The Cincinnati Reds upgraded their defense and starting rotation — and to a certain extent their bullpen — on Wednesday with the additions of Ke'Bryan Hayes and Zack Littell. Hayes is arguably the best defender in the game, and Littell will lengthen the Reds rotation.

But if the Reds are serious about not only competing for a spot in the playoffs, but also giving themselves a chance to win, more additions are needed before the MLB trade deadline passes at 6 p.m. ET today. The Reds should be focused on at least two last-minute trades, but must avoid another at all costs.

2 last-minute trades that would rescue Reds' playoff hopes

Add a high-leverage left-handed reliever

The Reds added Littell and plan to move Nick Martinez to the bullpen. That move alone will bring a high-leverage arm to the Reds relief corps. But Cincinnati needs a lefty who can produce a similar outcome.

After trading away Taylor Rogers, the Reds have two southpaws (Brent Suter and Sam Moll) in the bullpen. Neither is tremendous option late in games, and certainly won't be up to snuff if the Reds reach the postseason. Nick Krall and Reds front office need to add a capable left-hander to help balance out the bullpen.

Trade for a right-handed bat who excels vs. left-handed pitching

The addition Hayes gives the Reds an extra right-handed bat, but given his production this season, the newly acquired third baseman should be batting no higher than eighth in the lineup. The Reds have struggled against lefties all season, and could use a platoon bat that excels against left-handers.

It was recently reported that A's utility player Miguel Andujar was made available, and the Reds certainly have the prospect captial to get that type of deal done. Washington Nationals outfielder Alex Call is another option, though with multiple years of team control, his price tag could be too much for the Reds' brass to stomach.

1 last-minute trade that would ruin the Reds' playoff hopes

Trading away Jake Fraley or Will Benson to bolster the pitching staff

There were whispers prior to Wednesday's moves about the Reds both buying and selling at the trade deadline. Hopefully that chatter was overblown, and Cincinnati's front office has since shifted its attention solely to improving the roster for this season.

As such, players like Jake Fraley, Will Benson, and Gavin Lux — all of whom have rather redundant roles at the moment — should not be moved. Instead, the Reds should focus on making upgrades by trading away lower-level prospects.

If the Reds can make one to two more moves between now and the upcoming deadline, Krall and Co. should feel good about their chances to make a run at the postseason. The Reds are currently three games back in the chase for the final Wild Card spot, and the next few hours could be the difference between whether or not the Reds get seat at the table in October.