Reds: Bullpen’s recent success may alter trade deadline plans

The Cincinnati Reds‘ bullpen is no longer the worst in the league, and the recent success coupled with the return of some injured players may alter the team’s plans as the trade deadline looms. While GM Nick Krall didn’t rule out a trade or two before July 30th, I think it’s more and more likely the Reds stand pat at the trade deadline.

I know it’s not a popular thought among the Cincinnati faithful, but at least it appears the Reds will not be sellers at the trade deadline. Krall told C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, that if the “opportunity presents itself”, the team may look at potential upgrades before the trade deadline.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not putting a lot of stock into the idea of the Reds being buyers prior to July 30th. That said, I also don’t think we’re going to see a fire sale, and watch the front office ship out the likes of Wade Miley, Sonny Gray, Nick Castellanos, and Tyler Naquin.

Look for the Reds to stand pat at the trade deadline.

In the minds of the Cincinnati Reds ownership, front office, and some of the fans, the return of Tejay Antone, Lucas Sims, Jeff Hoffman, and Michael Lorenzen might be enough to elevate the team’s bullpen to at least a middle-of-the-pack relief corps.

I don’t necessarily disagree with that assessment, as those three of some of Cincinnati’s best relief arms. Unless we’re talking Kendall Graveman, Yimi Garcia, or Richard Rodriguez, I’m not sure there’s going to be a bullpen arm available who’s going to be that much better than who the Reds have returning from the injured list before or shortly after the All-Star break.

Some lesser names like Steve Cishek, Paul Fry, or Mychal Givens could make some sense, and may just cost Cincinnati a mid-level prospect or two. However, if Reds Country is wanting Krall and front office do go after some bigger names, who would the team have to sacrifice in order to get an elite reliever?

Are you, as a fan, willing to see Cincinnati part with Wade Miley or Tyler Naquin in order to snag a reliever? Would you, as a fan, be willing to part with a prospect like Rece Hinds, Lyon Richardson, or even Michael Siani if it meant that the Reds would be able to upgrade the bullpen with a quality arm or two?

Those are the questions that Nick Krall and the Cincinnati Reds front office must answer in the coming weeks. Are they willing to rob Peter in order to pay Paul? Over the last seven games, Cincinnati’s relief corps has struck out 73 batters, the best mark in the NL. The Reds’ bullpen owns a 3.64 ERA over that same time span, enough to put them smack-dab in the middle of the pack.