3 Reds who aren't as safe as they think with the 2025 trade deadline approaching

The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Cincinnati Reds are stuck in limbo. While most fans and pundits believe the Reds will be buyers at the deadline, the possibility exists for Cincinnati to sell as well.

The Reds's win-loss record has hovered around .500 all season, and while they're still in the NL Wild Card hunt, the teams ahead of them in the standings are expected to be aggressive at the trade deadline. That might complicate things a little.

If Cincinnati fails to rattle off wins over the next week, the Reds front office could shift focus from buyer to seller. As such, a few Reds players who probably think they're not going to be traded might not be as safe as they think.

3 Reds who aren't as safe as they think with the 2025 trade deadline approaching

Nick Martinez, Reds pitcher

Nick Martinez has been mentioned by several outlets as a potential trade chip at the MLB trade deadline. If Cincinnati's starting rotation was fully healthy, perhaps trading Martinez would make more sense. As it is, dealing the right-hander with Hunter Greene on the IL and Chase Burns on an innings limit would be most unwise.

But if the Reds are handed a deal they can't refuse, don't be shocked to see Martinez wearing a different uniform heading into next weekend. If the Reds are more than five games out of Wild Card chase when the deadline rolls around, Reds President Nick Krall may have to listen to offers if other teams come calling.

Emilio Pagán, Reds pitcher

Much like the aforementioned Martinez, Pagán is in the final year of his two-year deal with the Reds. The right-hander has done a fine job as Cincinnati's closer this season, but the Reds will likely hand the reigns over to one of their young hurlers next season. Relievers like Zach Maxwell, Tony Santillan, and Graham Ashcraft could eventually supplant Pagán at the backend of the bullpen next season.

Trading Pagán would be a sure-fire signal that Cincinnati is giving up on the 2025 season. If the Reds are buried in the standings ahead of the July 31 deadline, the veteran could bring back some quality prospects in a trade.

Tyler Stephenson, Reds catcher

Much like Martinez and Pagán, surrendering Tyler Stephenson at the MLB trade deadline would be akin to the Reds' waving the white flag on the 2025 season. But Stephenson will enter the 2026 season in the final year of his arbitration window, and efforts to ink the backstop to a long-term deal have not come together.

The Reds have Jose Trevino under contract for at least two more seasons, and the club is expecting big things from top catching prospect Alfredo Duno. Stephenson was slowed by injuries early, but is an above-average hitter and could offer some catcher-need organization a much-needed upgrade at this year's deadline.

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