3 Reds who could solve the problems the front office neglected at trade deadline

The Cincinnati Reds made some additions at the MLB trade deadline, but really failed to address all their concerns heading into the second-half of the 2025 season.

This isn't uncommon. Teams are rarely to get everything they're looking for at the trade deadline (unless you're the Los Angeles Dodgers and have unlimited resources). But perhaps president of baseball operations Nick Krall was looking beyond July 31 and had his sights sets on sometime in mid-August.

While Ke'Bryan Hayes, Miguel Andujar, and Zack Littell will collectively make the Reds better heading into August and September, none of those additions actually move the needle. But there are some internal options who could boost Cincinnati's playoff odds down the stretch.

3 Reds who could solve the problems the front office neglected at trade deadline

Hunter Greene, Reds starting pitcher

If all goes well, the Reds could have Hunter Greene back in the rotation within the next week or two. The Reds' ace has been sidelined with a groin injury for several weeks, but started a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville and is schedule to throw again on Sunday.

Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo have done a terrific job keeping Cincinnati's rotation afloat, but if they want to make some noise during the second-half, Greene has to be in the mix. The fireballer's return would also allow the Reds to move Chase Burns into the bullpen — a move that's expected due to the rookie's innings limit.

Sal Stewart, Reds prospect

Reds fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Sal Stewart, and they may not have to wait much longer. The Reds front office failed to bring a big-bat to Cincinnati, and perhaps that was due to the fact that Stewart is on the cusp of his Major League debut later this month.

The exact date is debatable, but sometime around the middle of the month, the Reds should be able to call up Stewart without risking his rookie status. That would preserve his ability to win Rookie of the Year in 2026, and thus give the Reds a chance to pick up an extra draft pick.

Héctor Rodríguez, Reds prospect

In addition to Stewart, don't be surprised if Héctor Rodríguez gets the call later this month as well. One of the top outfield prospects in the Reds' farm system, calling up Rodríguez would help Cincinnati fill one of the biggest voids in their lineup.

Though Rodríguez, much like Jake Fraley and Will Benson, is a left-handed hitter, he's gotten off to a scorching-hot start in Triple-A. Rodríguez is hitting .371/.471/.535 since his arrival in Louisville, and if those numbers continue, the Reds will have no choice but to call him up.

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