6 outfield trade options that fit the Reds’ budget and raise the ceiling

It would appear that despite the additions of JJ Bleday and Dane Myers, the Cincinnati Reds are still looking to make upgrades to the outfield. According to The Athletic (subscription required), the Reds remain open to further supplementing their outfield, particularly via trade.

While that's good news for the Reds fanbase, it must be pointed out that to do so, Cincinnati will undoubtedly be looking for players who aren't going to cost them an arm and leg — both in terms of salary and prospect capital.

The cash-strapped Reds aren't looking to expand the budget beyond last year's number, and according to FanGraphs, their 2026 estimate is already within $8 million of their 2025 end-of-year payroll. With that in mind, let's look at six low-cost trade candidates who would fit into the Reds' 2026 budget and help improve the roster.

6 outfield trade options that fit the Reds’ 2026 budget

Joey Loperfido, Blue Jays outfielder

Joey Loperfido is currently buried on the Toronto Blue Jays depth chart behind the likes of George Springer, Nathan Lukes, Daulton Varsho, and Davis Schneider. Loperfido smacked four home runs in just 104 big-league plate appearances last season and has a career .277/.369/.474 slash line in the minor leagues.

Loperfido is still pre-arbitration eligible and has a minor-league option remaining. It's difficult to see the Jays outfielder getting much playing time in Toronto next season, especially if they find a way to sign Kyle Tucker. As such, the Reds should have Loperfido atop their wishlist as they look to acquire outfield talent.

Jo Adell, Angels outfielder

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell has been a popular name among Reds fans, especially after Taylor Ward was traded to the Baltimore Orioles earlier this offseason. Adell belted 37 homers in 2025, but his .293 on-base percentage certainly raises questions about his approach at the plate.

Adell is in Year 2 of his arbitration window and is expected to take home just $5.5 million next season. Cincinnati needs a masher in the middle of the batting order, and Adell could certainly provide that type of power.

Jake Meyers, Astros outfielder

Houston Astros outfielder Jake Meyers has already been loosely linked to the Reds this winter. But after the Astros shipped top outfield prospect Jacob Melton to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a three-team deal, it's questionable as to whether or not Houston is still shopping Meyers this offseason.

The Astros centerfielder is an above-average defender who enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, but he was only able to play in 104 games due to a lingering calf injury he suffered midway through the season. Meyers has two years of arbitration control remaining and is likely to earn less than $4 million next season.

Evan Carter, Rangers outfielder

The Cincinnati Reds would likely have to surrender a lot in order to swipe Evan Carter away from the Texas Rangers, but it's the type of high-upside acquisition that could work out quite well for Cincinnati. Carter endured an injury-plagued season in 2025 (fractured wrist, quad strain, back spasms, etc.) and only managed to appear in 63 games.

The Rangers outfielder burst onto the scene in 2023, hitting .306/.413/.645 during the month of September, but has since been limited to just 108 games. If Texas still views Carter as a key piece of their roster, it's doubtful the Rangers will look to move him. But that shouldn't stop the Reds from asking. He doesn't become a free agent until 2031.

Mickey Moniak, Rockies outfielder

This name is likely to draw a lot of groans, but Mickey Moniak was a productive Major League player in 2025. The former first-overall pick from 2016 hit .270/.306/.518 with 24 home runs last season; though one has to wonder how much playing in the thin air and expansive outfield in Colorado for half his games helped bolster his statistics — .946 OPS at home and .680 OPS on the road.

Moniak chases far too many pitches outside the strike zone and his 4.8% walk rate was among the worst in the league last season. But his .491 expected slugging percentage ranks among the 90th percentile, and he's posted an OPS above .800 in two of the past three seasons. Moniak is likely to earn a little $4 million through arbitration — a number the Reds could fit into their 2026 budget.

Jasson Dominguez, Yankees outfielder

The New York Yankees have been strangely quiet this offseason, but given Hal Steinbrenner's deep pockets, one has to assume that the Bronx Bombers will make some sort of blockbuster move at some point this winter.

Yankees left field Jasson Dominguez has had an up-and-down career to this point, but there's still plenty to like about the 22-year-old left fielder. Adding Dominguez would be a costly move for the Reds — at least in terms of prospect capital — but it would give them a potential star who won't reach free agency until after the 2030 season.