3 Reds players to sell high on before they crash in value like Alexis Díaz did

The Cincinnati Reds have a bad habit of holding onto players well past their peak trade value. Reds fans saw this in the past with players like Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier, and Jay Bruce. Cincinnati's reluctance to trade fan-favorites — while admirable — has cost them time and time again.

This notion was brought home once again last week after the Reds traded former closer Alexis Díaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pennies on the dollar. Had Cincinnati looked to deal Díaz following his All-Star season in 2023, the return would've been much more bountiful. Even trading him before the start of the 2025 season would've yielded a better return than former 13th-round draft pick Mike Villani.

The Reds are hovering around .500 this season, and with so many talented ball clubs in the National League, there's a chance that Cincinnati could turn into seller's at this year's MLB trade deadline. If that becomes the reality, which players might the Reds look to sell high on before their value crashes like Díaz's?

3 Reds players to sell high on at the MLB trade deadline before they crash in value like Alexis Díaz did

TJ Friedl, Reds outfielder

Reds fans won't like this one, but trading TJ Friedl may become a viable option for Cincinnati's front office later this summer. Friedl is arguably the Reds' most indispensable player at the moment, which is why he would attract numerous suitors if Cincinnati made him available at the MLB trade deadline.

Friedl is a terrific leadoff hitter and competent centerfielder — two things contending teams will be looking for at the July 31st deadline. Friedl has three years of team control beyond this season, but will turn 30 years old this August. If Cincy is in the playoff chase after the All-Star break, Friedl is essential to the Reds' success. If they're out of it, he may be their best trade chip.

Nick Lodolo, Reds pitcher

Teams will give up a lot for starting pitching at the trade deadline, and even more for a left-hander. Nick Lodolo fits that mold, and if Cincinnati is barely staying afloat at the end of July, they could look to move the former first-round pick.

Lodolo's track record is littered with numerous stints on the IL, which could be a red flag to other ball clubs. But when he's healthy (and on his game), Lodolo is arguably the best starter in Cincinnati's rotation. With young arms like Brandon Williamson, Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Chase Petty in the Reds' system, it's easy to see a scenario in which Nick Krall decides to part with Lodolo at the MLB trade deadline.

Tyler Stephenson, Reds catcher

What are the Reds' long-term plans for Tyler Stephenson? If Cincinnati's front office views Stephenson as the club's starting catcher for the next five seasons, then they need to prove it and sign him to contract extension. But with one year of team control remaining beyond this season, one has to wonder if it's time to trade Stephenson while his value is still high.

The Reds have Jose Trevino under contract through 2027 and up-and-comer Alfredo Duno could be Cincinnati's catcher of the future. If that's truly the team's intention, then Stephenson should be on the trade block this summer. Teams will be flooding the Reds' front office with phone calls if a bat-first catcher like Stephenson is available at the MLB trade deadline.

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