4 Reds who have become obvious 2026 trade deadline casualties

Unless something changes in the coming weeks, the Cincinnati Reds will almost assuredly be sellers at this year's MLB trade deadline. Though the team was expected to contend for a playoff spot this season, the Reds' struggles have them sitting at the bottom of the NL Central standings with less than a month remaining before the August 3 deadline passes.

The question now becomes which players could (and should) be traded? While some foolish fans on social media have floated the asinine idea of trading Elly De La Cruz, anyone with a brain knows that's not going to happen. There are, however, a handful of players on the Reds roster who could have a new address after the trade deadline passes.

The Reds have a chance to be one of more active teams ahead ahead of the deadline, and if Cincinnati plays their cards right, they might be able to reload the roster rather than rebuild it. Let's look at the five players that the Reds must trade before the August 3 deadline comes and goes.

Brock Burke, Reds left-handed pitcher

Brock Burke has been the Reds' most reliable left-handed reliever this season. Cincinnati swung a three-team trade this past offseason to acquire the southpaw from the Los Angeles Angels, and he's posted a 3.05 ERA in 46 appearances out of the Reds' bullpen this season.

Burke, however, will be a free agent after this season, and given how coveted left-handed relievers are at the trade deadline, it would be shocking if the 29-year-old were still part of the Reds roster after August 3. His 14.1% walk-rate could keep the Reds from securing top value for his services, but it's still a move the front office has to make before the deadline passes.

Brady Singer, Reds right-handed pitcher

The Reds currently have six starters on the active roster — though Rhett Lowder was recently moved to the bullpen — and Brady Singer will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Singer's numbers are down quite a bit from last year, but he's posted a respectable 2.83 ERA over his last five starts.

Singer offers durability, which is quite the commodity once the calendar flips to August. He's already made 18 starts this season and has logged 150 or more innings over the past four seasons. A number of pitching-starved teams will be looking to swing a deal for Singer ahead of the deadline, and the Reds should be willing to sell him to the highest bidder.

Nathaniel Lowe, Reds infielder

Nathaniel Lowe has certainly cooled off after a hot-start, but he could still net the Reds a decent return at this year's trade deadline. Though he's hitting just .200/.312/.288 over the last month, the former Silver Slugger (and Gold Glove Award-winner) could provide a contending team with a left-handed bat off the bench and a veteran voice in the clubhouse.

The Reds signed Lowe to a minor-league deal in February, so anything they can get in return is worth offloading him for the final two months of the season — even if it does little more than open up a roster spot. The Reds also have former Colorado Rockies slugger Michael Toglia mashing in the minor leagues and could promote him to the big-league roster if Lowe is traded.

Caleb Ferguson, Reds left-handed pitcher

Much like Brock Burke (and maybe even Sam Moll), the Reds are likely to shop Caleb Ferguson at this year's trade deadline. The left-hander got off to a slow start after beginning the 2026 season on the IL, but since returning to the active roster, he's been one of the most productive members of the Reds' bullpen.

Ferguson's made 18 appearances this season and owns an impressive 2.00 ERA and 3.11 FIP with 17 strikeouts and just seven walks. Much like everyone else on this list, Ferguson is a free agent after the 2026 season and (despite his Ohio ties) is unlikely to re-sign with the Reds heading into next year.

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