Cincinnati Reds: Three trade targets as deadline looms

3. Caleb Smith could replace Wade Miley in the Reds rotation.

This one seems like a long shot, but it’s being reported by Joe Frisaro that the Miami Marlins are receiving calls about left-handed pitcher Caleb Smith. Outside of Amir Garrett, the Reds have struggled to find a reliable left-hander. Smith is currently on the injured list, but it’s being reported that he’s likely to return this week.

Smith is intriguing because he’s under team control through the 2023 season. He’s appeared in just three innings this season, but Smith is easily one of the better young arms in the Marlins farm system, and one that the Marlins might actually trade. It would cost a great deal to land Smith, but a player like Jonathan India could be the key to getting the Fish to bite.

The Reds have had no luck with left-handed starters over the years. Last year, Cincinnati traded for Alex Wood. The southpaw threw just seven games in 2019 for the Cincinnati Reds and ended up back with Los Angeles Dodgers over the offseason. The Reds haven’t seen much from Wade Miley this season after extending a two-year contract to the former Milwaukee Brewers starter.

Will the Cincinnati Reds make a move at the trade deadline? If so, will they focus on their ineffective offense or the bullpen. It’ll be interesting to see if Dick Williams and Nick Krall go after anybody before 4 PM or if the Reds front office is content to roll with the players they have. One thing is for sure, they’re unlikely to be sellers.