4 bullpen upgrades Reds must trade for now to avoid deadline rush

There's no sugarcoating it; the Cincinnati Reds bullpen has been an absolute disaster this season. The Reds relief corps is among the worst in all of baseball with a mind-numbing 5.13 ERA, 5.22 FIP, and the highest walk-rate (13.6%) in the league.

Things are only made worse by the fact that three of the Reds top relievers — Emilio Pagán, Graham Ashcraft, and Pierce Johnson — are on the injured list.

This isn't a problem the Reds can fix from the inside. They've tried that. Obviously, Zach McCambley, Jose Franco, Luis Mey, Zach Maxwell, Connor Phillips, and Chase Petty are not part of the solution. If the Reds have any hope of surviving, they'll have to start making some trades, and fast.

The trade deadline isn't until August 3 this year, but if the Reds wait much longer, they're not going to be buyers, they'll be sellers. Let's take a peak at four relievers Cincinnati should set their sights on right now.

Red Sox pitcher Tommy Kahnle could bring a veteran presence to the Reds bullpen

Tommy Kahnle signed a minor-league deal with the Boston Red Sox this past winter and has spent almost all year at Triple-A. The Red Sox recently selected his contract after the veteran triggered his opt-out clause following an impressive stretch in the minors.

Kahnle relies heavily on his changeup, while mixing in his fastball and slider. He's on an inexpensive contract and posted a 1.40 ERA in 18 minor-league appearances this season. The walks are concerning, however, and could give the Reds' brass cause to pause. He walked 11 batters in just under 20 innings of work at Triple-A Worcester, but Cincinnati won't be looking to spend a lot of money (or prospect capital).

Could the Reds revisit an old arm who's now with the Mets?

The New York Mets have completely collapsed, and are looking like sellers at this year's trade deadline. If New York would be willing to part with one of their veteran arms ahead of the deadline, Cincinnati should pounce at the opportunity.

Former Reds reliever Brooks Raley is having another solid season in Queens. The left-hander has a sparkling 1.48 ERA with 20 punch outs over 21⅓ innings pitched and an impressive 1.192 WHIP. Raley, 38, was with the Reds briefly in 2020, and should be on the club's short list if they're looking to upgrade the bullpen with an affordable veteran before the wheels fall off.

The Angels have a pair of relievers who could help the Reds right now

If there's one team in Major League Baseball who's guaranteed to be selling at this year's deadline, it's the Los Angeles Angels. The Halos have one of the worst records in the entire league, and an all-too-familiar chant to Reds fans is emerging from the bleachers at Angel Stadium: Sell the team!

While Angels' owner Arte Moreno is unlikely to sell the team, a pair of relievers might be up for sale. Sam Bachman and Chase Silseth have both put up huge numbers in 2026 and could used to help restock LA's paltry farm system.

Bachman has been outstanding with a 1.99 ERA and 3.39 FIP. He's still pre-arbitration eligible and is under team control through 2030. Silseth has also been impressive (1.90 ERA) and is on an inexpensive contract as well, but his walk rate (14.6%) is a bit concerning. Either one of these relievers could give the Reds bullpen they type of boost it desperately needs.

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