5 Reds players who could be traded without killing their playoff chances

The Cincinnati Reds remain in the thick of the National League playoff chase, but most fans know that it's going to take a few extra pieces around this year's MLB trade deadline in order to put Terry Francona's club over the top.

The question is, will the Reds be able to add enough without sacrificing for the future? Every team is looking for the best bargain this time of year, but the truth is that you have to give up something of value in order to get something of value in return. In other words, if the Reds want to make some upgrades, they may have to sacrifice players who are currently on the active roster.

There are some redundancies and a handful of players on expiring deals who may draw the attention of other clubs prior to the MLB trade deadline. If the Reds were to deal any of these five players prior to July 31, there's a good chance they could bolster the roster and keep their playoff hopes alive.

5 Reds players who could be traded without killing their playoff chances

Emilio Pagán, Reds pitcher

Relief pitchers are always in demand at the trade deadline. Some Reds fans would dislike the idea of giving up their closer while still trying to make a run at the playoffs, but Emilio Pagán is a free agent after this season. If Cincinnati was able to bring back a bat in exchange for Pagán, the Reds bullpen has a handful of options to take up the mantle of closer over the final two months of the season. Zach Maxwell and Luis Mey are sitting at Triple-A Louisville, and Tony Santillan has pitched well in high-pressure situations this season.

Spencer Steer, Reds infielder/ outfielder

There are a lot of Reds fans who'll hate this idea, and frankly, it's doubtful Cincinnati would get much of return based on Spencer Steer's numbers this season. But if Steer heats up in the coming weeks, he may be able to increase his trade value enough that Cincinnati could get something worthwhile in return. With Christian Encarnacion-Strand on the roster, and the likes of Cam Collier and Sal Stewart in the minors, it's difficult to see the Reds' long-term plans for Steer. He could be dealt at the deadline.

Jake Fraley, Reds outfielder

The Reds have a redundancy in the outfield. Both Jake Fraley and Will Benson can hold their own against right-handed pitching, but struggle mightily against lefties. Having two such players on the roster can cause a bit of a logjam. While Cincinnati shouldn't close the door to trading Benson, Fraley will be a free agent after next season and could greatly benefit a team looking for a left-handed platoon bat.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Reds infielder

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, for the same reasons as Steer, could be made available at the MLB trade deadline. The slugger has shown flashes of potential and has light-tower power, but his strikeout rate is mighty high. Under no circumstances should the Reds trade Encarnacion-Strand and Steer, but if one of those two players can bring back a legitimate, long-term solution for the Reds' outfield, Nick Krall should listen. Fans won't want to hear this, but Jeimer Candelario will be part of the team next season, and it's hard to see all three on the same roster heading into 2026.

Nick Martinez, Reds pitcher

Nick Martinez should be a player that Cincinnati's front office shops whether they're in contention or out of the playoff picture altogether. Starting pitching can fetch a premium price at the deadline, and if the Reds' rotation is fully healthy, Martinez becomes expendable. They can't extend the qualifying offer two years in a row, so if Martinez is likely to leave in free agency. The Reds might want to see if they can get something for him, and trading him would also open up a spot in the starting rotation for Chase Burns.

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