4 dark horse Reds players that could be traded before 2025

The Cincinnati Reds rarely get too deeply involved in free agency. That means the trade market might be the most likely route Nick Krall and Co. will take this offseason in hopes of bolstering the Reds roster.

Jonathan India was already traded to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Brady Singer. But if the Reds are looking to make an impact trade that's going to bring back a middle-of-the-order bat or a frontline starter, it's going to take more than a player like India. Are there some dark horse trade candidates that might be able to net Cincinnati a nice return?

4 dark horse Reds players that could be traded before 2025

Alexis Diaz, Reds pitcher

Alexis Díaz had his worst season since making his big league debut in 2022, and yet he still earned 28 saves. But Díaz was nowhere near the player he'd been during his first two seasons in Cincinnati. His walks were up and his strikeouts were down. But such is the life of a reliever, right?

While there's reason to believe that he can bounce back in 2025, there are plenty of other organizations that will be looking for a closer who's under team control for three more seasons. The Reds would be able to get quite the haul if they made Dìaz available this winter, and have some solid young arms coming up through the farm system.

Spencer Steer, Reds infielder/ outfielder

While it seems unlikely, Spencer Steer could be on the chopping block, as he is a man without a position heading into the 2025 season. The Reds gave Steer an audition in left field last season, and while he filled in admirably, Steer is not an elite defender.

But Steer's bat is his carrying tool. Much like Díaz, Steer had a down-year in 2024, but still managed to smack 20 home runs and swipe 25 bases. The odds of Steer being dealt are low, but it should not be totally dismissed either.

Andrew Abbott, Reds pitcher

Cincinnati would have to get an insane offer to part with Andrew Abbott, but if there's one area of the Reds' roster that's deep, it's the starting rotation. Abbott would easily be a top-3 starter in almost any rotation.

If Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar were fully healthy, this concept might make a lot more sense. That elusive right-handed hitting outfielder that Reds fans are on the lookout for could be had if Abbott were made available this offseason. But that's a high price to pay.

TJ Friedl, Reds outfielder

This won't sit well with a number of Reds fans, but TJ Friedl could be on the trade block this offseason. Friedl was oft injured in 2024, but when he's on the field, some consider him nearly irreplaceable. He's the gritty type of ballplayer that fans in Cincinnati love.

But offensive-starved teams could be the market for a player like Friedl. While the Reds need his bat in the lineup as well, there are several talented, young outfielders in the organization. Friedl's health is the biggest question mark heading into next season, and could be a key reason why Cincinnati may look to move him this winter.

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