4 Brady Singer trade destinations Reds fans are overlooking

Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall has been crystal clear throughout the offseason — the organization has no plans to trade from their stable of starting pitchers. So why does Brady Singer's name continue to come up in trade rumors?

Quite simply, a number of fans and pundits view a Singer trade as a means to acquire that big bat the Reds so desperately need. Cincinnati has also capped their offseason spending, and as such, Singer's $12.75 salary is hanging like an albatross around their neck. Shedding that number from the books could allow Cincinnati to add that valuable bat they've continually missed out on this winter.

There are some obvious suitors for Singer. The Baltimore Orioles are known to be searching for starting pitching this offseason, with teams like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets consistently in the mix for almost every viable starter.

But there are some under-the-radar teams most Reds fans are overlooking, and they might be willing to offer Cincinnati an opportunity to trade Singer in order to pursue that middle-of-the-order masher they so urgently need.

4 Brady Singer trade destinations Reds fans are overlooking

Tampa Bay Rays

MLB fans oftentimes advise against their teams trading with the Tampa Bay Rays, but they may be the perfect landing spot for Singer. A Florida native, Singer would likely welcome a return to the Sunshine State, and the Rays would love to have the right-hander slotted in the middle of their rotation.

The AL East is shaping up to be a gauntlet this coming season, and the Rays need one more starting pitcher to help fill out their rotation. At the moment, former Reds farmhand Joe Boyle is projected to be the team's fifth starter. Tampa Bay's $77 million payroll is still $2 million below their number from 2025, and well below the team's $98 million commitment in 2024.

The Rays are one of those teams who could not only swing a trade for Singer, but offer the Reds something of value in return as well. Veteran slugger Yandy Diaz is entering the final year of a $36 million extension. His salary would basically offset Singer's and bring a power-bat into the fold. This feels like a win-win. Why hasn't it happened, yet?

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers were one of the best teams in baseball through the first five months of the season, and then it all fell apart in the month of September, and eventually October. Tarik Skubal is as good as gone next year, meaning Detroit should be pushing all their chips into the middle of the table this offseason.

Skubal's arbitration dispute with the Tigers is certainly something to watch, and will dictate how Detroit handles the remainder of the offseason. If the Tigers win their case and hold onto their ace for $19 million, they'll have money to spend. If Skubal wins his case — and $32 million to boot — Detroit may need a low-cost arm to help stabilize their starting rotation.

With Detroit looking to win now, it's doubtful they'd be willing to sacrifice much from their Major League roster. But the Tigers have a host of young, talented players in their farm system. Cincinnati could deal Singer for a prospect-heavy package, and then use the savings to go get a free agent like Eugenio Suárez or Rhys Hoskins.

San Diego Padres

Always the bridesmaid, and never the bride, the San Diego Padres are in an odd spot. But president of baseball operations A.J. Preller is never one to take his ball and go home, and the Friars have enough talent to compete against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Adding an arm like Singer to mix could help put the Padres over the top in the NL West.

The Padres are said to be shopping Nick Pivetta while searching for another starting pitcher at the same time. Singer could be the answer to that problem, though Cincinnati wouldn't be looking at a one-for-one swap.

Much like Detroit, San Diego won't be looking to trade from their big-league roster. The problem with Padres, however, is their recently drained farm system. Preller has emptied the cupboard over the last few seasons, though left-hander Kruz Schoolcraft would be a high-upside prospect the Reds could target. Cincy could then chase a free agent bat with the money they saved from trading Singer.

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves' 2025 season ended rather abruptly after a number of their starting pitchers landed on the injured list. AJ Smith-Shawver underwent Tommy John surgery in June, Spencer Strider dealt with a hamstring issue throughout the season, and 2024 Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale only appeared 21 games.

Singer has proven to be one of the most durable starting pitchers over the last four seasons, and with Smith-Shawver potentially out for the entire year, Atlanta could use another quality pitcher in the rotation. The Braves aren't used to missing the playoffs, and will no doubt be looking to get back to the postseason in 2026.

Much like the Tigers and Padres, the Braves would be reluctant to deal from the Major League roster. But Atlanta could be motivated to move a prospect like JR Ritchie if it meant solidifying their rotation for 2026. Such a move would (once again) allow the Reds to pocket the savings and find a power-hitter on the open market.