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4 Brady Singer trade packages that could net the Reds a surprise return

Who needs a starter?
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brady Singer (51) pitches
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brady Singer (51) pitches | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cincinnati Reds are looking to move a number of players who are on expiring deals at this year's trade deadline. That, of course, includes right-handed starter Brady Singer. The former first-round pick is taking home a little less than $13 million this year, and will be a free agent at the end of the season.

Singer's surge over the past month has undoubtedly raised his profile. While several other big names like Tarik Skubal and Jose Soriano could be available at the deadline, middle-of-the-road starters like Singer will also be in high demand.

There's bound to be several teams looking to boost their rotation during the second half of of the 2026 season. These four clubs could make a play for Singer, and the return could be better than expected.

4 Brady Singer trade packages that could net the Reds a surprise return

Reds receive: Brett Bateman (OF)
Cubs receive: Brady Singer (RHP)

Trading within the division is oftentimes frowned upon, but in this case, a swap between the Reds and Chicago Cubs could be mutually beneficial for both sides. Chicago is known to be in the market for starting pitching, though they may have their sights set on a bigger fish — Sandy Alcantara and Reid Detmers are rumored to be high on their list of targets.

Brett Bateman is a top-20 organizational prospect in the Cubs' farm system and is known for his blazing-fast speed. He can cover a lot of ground in center field — a position the Reds need to address — and has put up good numbers at Triple-A this season (.306/.428/.421).

If the Cubs' efforts to get a frontline starter fail, adding Singer could help to supplement their rotation. The Reds made a deadline deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates last summer, so there's no reason to think they'd avoid a trade with another NL Central rival.

Reds receive: Herick Hernandez (LHP), Dixon Williams (2B/3B)
Braves receive: Brady Singer (RHP)

The Atlanta Braves will be one of many teams looking to upgrade their rotation ahead of the postseason, and with Spencer Strider (and Spencer Schwellenbach) on the mend, Alex Anthopoulos could be searching for a short-term solution.

Herick Hernandez was Atlanta's fourth-round draft pick just two years ago, and he's already made the jump to Triple-A. The diminutive right-hander has had trouble with command this season, but his 28.3% strikeout rate is impressive. Adding a flier like Dixon Williams could help push this deal over the finish line. There's plenty of raw power in his bat, but he'll need to make contact in order to make his mark.

The Braves are always a sneaky team to watch at the deadline. They currently hold the lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, but both clubs will be jockeying for playoff positioning down the stretch.

Reds receive: Bryan Rincon (SS), Mavis Graves (LHP)
Phillies receive: Brady Singer (RHP), Caleb Ferguson (LHP)

As mentioned above, the Phillies are likely to be active at this year's deadline, and the emphasis will be on pitching. No one will argue with the frontend of Philly's rotation. The combination of Christopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler are as formidable as any in the league. But bolstering the backend of the rotation will be a priority for Dave Dombrowksi at this year's deadline.

The Phillies might be more desperate than most teams, and that could work to the Reds' advantage in this situation. Bryan Rincon is a switch-hitting shortstop prospect who's enjoying a breakout season in 2026. He's hitting .250/.386/.460 with 23 stolen bases at Double-A, and a career-best 122 wRC+. Mavis Graves fills up the strike zone (34% K rate), and could be a future bullpen piece.

In addition to starting pitching, the Phillies will likely be looking for bullpen help as well. Cincinnati is looking to trade away any and all players who are on expiring contracts, and Caleb Ferguson will be a free agent after the 2026 campaign comes to a close.

Reds receive: Mathias Lacombe (RHP), Gabe Davis (RHP)
White Sox receive: Brady Singer (RHP)

The Chicago White Sox have emerged as true contender in the American League this season. Though White Sox GM Chris Getz is unlikely to go "all in" at this year's deadline, much like the Reds in 2023, he can't afford to just sit on his hands.

The White Sox have a deep farm system, and one that could yield some Major League talent down the line. Mathias Lacombe is currently at Double-A and has struck out 34% of the batters he's faced in 2026. Gabe Davis has split time between High-A and Double-A this season, and has a combined 25.6% strikeout rate and has kept the free passes to a minimum (8.1% BB rate).

If the White Sox plan to compete in the postseason, they'll need another starting pitcher, but won't be shopping at the upper-tier of the market. Singer could be a good fit on the Southside of Chicago.

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