4 blockbuster trades that could finally fix the Reds’ biggest roster flaw

The Cincinnati Reds finally broke through this past season and made it back to the MLB playoffs. Unfortunately, it was one-and-done for the ole Redlegs as they ran into a buzzsaw known as the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Reds, however, have something to build on heading into next season.

Nevertheless, Cincinnati's roster is still incomplete. While the Reds have a top-tier starting rotation, a bona fide superstar in Elly De La Cruz, and addressed the infield defense with the addition of Ke'Bryan Hayes at the July 31 deadline, Cincinnati is still lacking a consistent outfield bat.

Shifting Noelvi Marte from third base to right field — a move that looks good on the surface — only fixes half the problem. Since Cincinnati's brass seems unwilling to move De La Cruz to the outfield, the Reds may need to explore the trade market this offseason in order to upgrade the position. Any one of these four offseason trade targets could finally fix the Reds biggest roster flaw.

4 trades that could finally fix the Reds’ biggest roster flaw

Byron Buxton, Twins outfielder

This is a high-risk/ high-reward move that could pay off big if Byron Buxton stays on the field. Unfortunately, that's a big 'if'. Buxton is one of the best outfielders in the game today, but he's averaged just 93 games played per year since 2021. The 31-year-old is under contract through 2028, but has a full no-trade clause attached to his contract. It might be difficult to pry Buxton away from Minnesota.

Jo Adell, Angels outfielder

Taylor Ward was said to be on the Reds radar last offseason, but fellow Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell might be the better play. A late-bloomer, Adell finally produced numbers worthy of the hype that surrounded him as a top prospect back in 2020. The Angels seem to be in a perpetual rebuild year in and year out, but owner Arte Moreno doesn't see things that way. The Halos will enter the 2025-26 offseason with a new skipper, and that could make Adell expendable.

Bryan Reynolds, Pirates outfielder

The Reds swung a deal with the Pirates to acquire Hayes this past summer, and perhaps it's time to bring another one of his Pittsburgh teammates to Cincinnati. Bryan Reynolds had a down-year, but is merely two years removed from being one of the most sought-after trade targets in the majors. Reynolds contract makes the fit a little awkward, but the 30-year-old has a career .904 OPS in 49 games at Great American Ball Park.

Steven Kwan, Guardian outfielder

Steven Kwan's bat let him down this past season, but he's normally a reliable on-base threat who plays Gold Glove-caliber defense in left field. Kwan has two years of team control remaining, and would be a tremendous table-setter ahead of De La Cruz in the Reds starting lineup.