3 Reds who could be traded this offseason if Bob Castellini finally gets out of the way

Earlier this week, The Athletic dropped a bombshell report that detailed the inner-workings of the Cincinnati Reds front office. Among the disturbing topics referenced in the article were meddling owners, quarrelsome trade negotiations, and why the Reds can't be like their NL Central rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers.

One of the more troubling items cited in the article was the supposed laundry list of trades Bob Castellini did not approve. The report mentioned that Nick Krall presented such a list to Castellini during a meeting with top team officials during the first-half of the 2026 season.

In a release to the media, Castellini confirmed that Krall and Brad Meador will return in 2027 and claimed, "The baseball leaders will make the baseball decisions.” If that's true, and the handcuffs are officially off, what unpopular, Brewers-like trades might Krall make this coming offseason?

3 Brewers-like trades the Reds could make if Bob Castellini finally gets out of the way

Emilio Pagán, Reds pitcher

Emilio Pagán really turned his season around. Prior to landing on the injured list with a strained hamstring, he owned a disappointing 6.43 ERA and had just 11 strikeouts through 14 innings of work. In the moment, Pagán thought his season was over, but after eight weeks of rehab, he returned to the mound and looked like his old self again.

But after returning in July, Pagán's been nearly unstoppable with a 1.88 ERA over his last 30 games. He's struck out over 30% of the batters he's faced and has 19 saves — the most among all Major League relievers during that time. He's also one of the few veteran voices on the club, and a favorite of manager Terry Francona.

Pagán has a $10 million team-option for 2027 that most expect him to exercise. But at 35 years old, it's questionable as to whether or not he'll be able to duplicate his success next season. A top-tier closer is a valuable asset, and while it would be an unpopular move in the clubhouse, Krall could look to shop Pagán this coming offseason.

Dane Myers, Reds outfielder

The Reds landed Dane Myers in a trade with the Miami Marlins this past winter. So why would they want to turn around and trade him away this offseason? Several reasons come to mind, not the least of which are his age and contract status. Myers will be 31 years old next season, and is heading into Year 1 of his arbitration window.

Myers' splits definitely favor the short-side of a platoon, and with the left-handed hitting Carlos Jorge getting some time in center field this September, splitting time in the outfield is the most likely outcome if Myers remains with the organization. While he has a knack for making some gutsy plays in the outfield, his -8 defensive runs saved show that he's not necessarily an above-average defender.

If TJ Friedl's disappointing 2026 season taught the Reds anything, it's that moving on from an aging outfielder before he falls off a cliff is the prudent thing to do. If Krall can find a trade partner for Myers this winter, he should probably make the move.

Tejay Antone, Reds pitcher

This wouldn't be popular with the clubhouse or the fanbase; and that's the point. If Castellini truly wants the Reds to mimic the Brewers, then you're going to have to trade away some of your team's most popular players.

Tejay Antone has been an inspiration to so many — both on and off the field — but one has wonder how much is left in the tank. He'll be 33 years old heading into next season and we can't forget that he's undergone three Tommy John surgeries.

Antone has made 57 appearances this season and has a 3.17 ERA and 3.80 FIP. He'll be arbitration eligible for the final time this coming winter, meaning he'll be a free agent after next season. It's debatable whether or not it's even worth shopping Antone this offseason, but one has to imagine, from a PR standpoint, this is definitely the type of move Castellini would frown upon.

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