5 Reds players who could be traded if Cincinnati's playoff hopes disappear

What would've been almost unthinkable at the beginning of the season has become a reality that can no longer be ignored — the Cincinnati Reds are danger of becoming sellers at this year's MLB trade deadline.

The Reds had dreams of winning the NL Central division in 2026, but instead they're barely treading water. Injuries and poor play have crippled Cincinnati's chances of competing for the division crown, and even the NL Wild Card seems somewhat out of reach at the moment. The Reds (33-36) are three games back of a playoff spot heading into play on Sunday, June 14.

If the Reds fail to turn things around, other teams will be calling president of baseball operations Nick Krall and inquiring about which players are available. There are at least five Reds who might be moved before August 3, and if Cincinnati enters a full blown fire sale, that number will get even larger. For now, let's just look at the five most likely Reds players to be moved ahead the deadline.

Reds could move Tyler Stephenson at the trade deadline

Tyler Stephenson will be a free agent after the season. The Reds starting catcher, who's been part of the organization since 2015, is unlikely to re-sign with Cincinnati during the offseason, and could be dealt to the highest bidder before the trade deadline passes at the beginning of August.

Stephenson was once known as a bat-first catcher, but he's seen a downturn in his offensive production since 2022. Still, he's been a valuable piece of the Reds' roster for the last six seasons, and has become quite adept behind the plate — both at blocking balls in the dirt and using the new ABS challenge system. If a team is looking for a capable backstop, Stephenson could be on the move.

Reds have a pair of lefty relievers that could be traded at the deadline

Much like Stephenson, left-handed reliever Brock Burke is only signed through the 2026 season. Cincinnati has shown very little regard to re-sign relief pitchers in the past, even those who are as good as Burke. The Reds swung a trade with the Los Angeles Angels to acquire the southpaw this past offseason, and he could soon be pitching for his third team in less than a year.

Another left-hander who'll draw some interest at this year's deadline is Caleb Ferguson. An oblique injury slowed his start to the season, but Ferguson has been a solid addition to the Cincinnati bullpen and could serve as upgrade for a number of contenders looking to add a lefty for the stretch run.

Reds slugger Nathaniel Lowe will draw some attention at the trade deadline

Nathaniel Lowe is a player who might be traded regardless of the Reds' record at the trade deadline. He inked a minor-league deal with the Reds during the offseason, landed on the Opening Day roster, and the early-season injury to Eugenio Suárez allowed him to become a focal point of the team's lineup.

But that first base/ DH spot in the Reds lineup is somewhat redundant. In addition to Lowe, Cincinnati has Suárez, Spencer Steer, and Sal Stewart, all of whom can play first base. The Reds also have Michael Toglia, who's raking in the minor leagues, making Lowe a likely trade candidate to be moved ahead of the deadline.

Nick Lodolo could be a surprising Reds player who's traded this summer

If the Reds season goes completely off the rails and they become sellers at this year's deadline, Nick Lodolo could be one of the organization's biggest trade chips. The idea of trading Lodolo, however, comes with a massive question mark; is he healthy?

Lodolo is under team control for just one more season, and his entire career has been defined by injuries. Furthermore, he hasn't pitched up to his potential this season. One could argue that Lodolo (if he stayed healthy) could be worth more during the offseason, but with the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming CBA negotiations, Cincinnati might be best served to trade him before August 3.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow