Cincinnati Reds: Three trade targets as deadline looms

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – JANUARY 08: Dick Williams, president of baseball operations talks to the media during the press conference to introduce Shogo Akiyama as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Will the Reds make a play for one of these players today?

The 2020 trade deadline is quickly approaching and the Cincinnati Reds have stood pat to this point. In an odd year, we’re likely to see a flurry moves today as several team who are vying for spot in the postseason look to improve their clubs for a stretch run. Will the Reds be one of those teams, and if so, who are they likely to target?

The Reds did the majority of their building over the offseason. The front office added infielder Mike Moustakas, reliever Pedro Strop, starting pitcher Wade Miley and outfielders Shogo Akiyama and Nick Castellanos. With the exception of Castellanos, Cincinnati has not received much of a return on their investment.

Mike Moustakas has been in and out of the lineup, struggling to find some semblance of a rhythm. Akiyama has not adjusted well to the American game, as the left-handed hitting outfielder is slashing just .186/.271/.233 and has yet to see a ball leave the yard.

Pedro Strop was released this past week after appearing in just four games for the Reds, and Wade Miley is on the injured list again. It looks like some reinforcements may be necessary if Cincinnati hopes to compete for a spot in the playoffs. Who might the Reds target as the trade deadline looms?

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 22: Archie Bradley #25 of the Arizona Diamondbacks wearing a mask looks on prior to the start of the game. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

1. Archie Bradley of the Diamondbacks could boost the Reds bullpen.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have taken a tumble over the past week-plus and look to be sellers at this point. The D-Backs are said to be looking to deal Startling Marte as well, who was floated about as a possible trade target for the Reds during the offseason. However, Nick Senzel’s spot on the roster appears safe, but I can’t say the same for Raisel Iglesias.

The Reds closer has not been as bad as wee saw last season, but Reds Country can be heard collectively holding their breath when David Bell signals to send Iggy in during the ninth inning. Archie Bradley, a former first-round pick has appeared in nine games this season and has six saves with a 3.60 ERA.

That’s not what you would call lights-out, a term you could easily use for Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader, but Bradley has experience pitching in big moments, when the game is on the line. Last season, Bradley recorded 18 saves with a 3.52 ERA.

Bradley is not going to come cheap. The right-hander does not enter free agency until next season, making this trade deadline a prime time to trade Bradley. The Reds are certainly not the only team looking for bullpen help, but adding Bradley would definitely address the team’s biggest need as we head into the final month of the 2020 season.

DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 02: Daniel Norris #44 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during game two of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

2. Daniel Norris would give the Reds bullpen a strong left-hander.

Daniel Norris, a former second-round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011, has put together a solid 2020 campaign. The Reds could certainly use a left-hander out of the bullpen. Cincinnati has moved on from Cody Reed, who was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this week. Jesse Biddle just landed on the injured list, meaning the Reds have just Amir Garrett as the lone lefty in the bullpen.

Norris does not become a free agent until after next season, so the price tag might be a bit higher than the Reds are willing to pay. From what we’ve seen so far, it’s a sellers market, as many teams feels as though they have a chance to compete in this wild and crazy 60-game sprint to the finish line.

Norris is 2-1 on the season with a 2.40 ERA in 15 appearances out of the Detroit Tigers bullpen. Norris has struck out 12 and owns a 1.000 WHIP and 198 ERA+. Those numbers would be quite beneficial late in games when Garrett is unavailable.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that both Austin Romine and Norris are available. Romine is of no interest to the Reds, as they’ve got Tucker Barnhart and Curt Casali behind the plate with Tyler Stephenson waiting in the wings. However, Norris can give you multiple innings and could be a sneaky candidate to get shipped to the Reds.

MIAMI, FLORIDA – JULY 09: Caleb Smith #31 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch during an intrasquad simulated game. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

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.

Next. 15 greatest deadline deals in Reds history

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.

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