4 trade targets the Reds could land from eliminated Wild Card teams

Following the Philadelphia Phillies' 6-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, the League Division Series are now set. The Phillies, who've been loaded with expensive, high-end talent for the last five seasons, will head into the offseason once again without a World Series championship.

But the Phillies aren't the only team that's going home disappointed this week. The Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros all bowed out of the playoffs early and are looking to retool their rosters ahead of the 2027 season.

The Cincinnati Reds are ready to do some retooling of their own. After a disappointing 2026 campaign saw Cincinnati post a 75-87 record, Nick Krall and the Reds front office need to find ways to upgrade the roster heading into next season.

There's at least a player or two from those teams that were recently eliminated who'd look quite good in a Reds uniform next season. Let's explore one potential trade candidate from each team who lost during the Wild Card round earlier this week.

4 trade targets the Reds could land from eliminated Wild Card teams

Matt Shaw, Chicago Cubs

After the Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman to a six-year deal last offseason, infielder Matt Shaw was thought to be expendable. Instead, he became one of their most versatile pieces, seeing time at every position except catcher and shortstop. Shaw hit .237/.327/.410 in 2026 with a 104 wRC+.

Shaw is above-average defender at third base, and could be an inexpensive compliment (or replacement) for Ke'Bryan Hayes at the hot corner. He's still just 24 years old and won't reach arbitration until 2028. Shaw won't come cheap, but he's a very disciplined hitter with ample speed on the base paths.

Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox

Jarren Duran was a popular trade target among Reds fans this past offseason, and he could pop up on their radar once again this winter. His asking price has certainly taken a tumble, however, after posting a .207/.266/.361 slash line with a 69 wRC+. But two years ago, Duran was an MVP candidate, hitting .285/.342/.492 with 21 homers, 75 RBI, and 34 stolen bases.

The Red Sox outfield is somewhat crowded — though Roman Anthony's injury could factor into the equation — and Duran had been the odd-man out all season. He's under team control for two more seasons, and if Boston moved him, they'd be selling low. Much like the aforementioned Shaw, he's a plus-defender with tremendous speed. The Reds would just have to hope they're getting the 2024 version of Duran, not the 2026 one.

AJ Blubaugh, Houston Astros

The Houston Astros will be one of the most interesting teams to watch during the upcoming offseason. They've already parted ways with GM Dana Brown, and manager Joe Espada is expected to follow. A regime change in H-Town could result in several players becoming available this winter.

AJ Blubaugh would be a nice pickup for the Reds. A starter by trade, he was used exclusively out of the Astros bullpen this season. He covered 96 innings in 64 appearances and posted a respectable 3.66 ERA. Think of him as an inexpensive version of Nick Martinez — a pitcher who can take on multiple roles. Blubaugh is still arbitration eligible and has minor-league options remaining.

Orion Kerkering, Philadelphia Phillies

If you're looking for a high-upside reliever with outstanding pure stuff, look no further than Orion Kerkering. The Phillies right-hander can dial it up to 97 mph, but his game is built around inducing soft contact. He was in the 94th percentile or higher in hard-hit rate and average exit velocity this past season.

But Kerkering has had a falling out in Philly, and was optioned to the minor leagues toward the end of the season. Arguably the Phillies most reliable reliever in 2024, he's seen his role reduced in recent years, and it's questionable as to whether or not they still see him as a valuable member of their relief corps moving forward.

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