Angels-Rangers trade just highlighted the type of move Reds need to make

The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Los Angeles Angels decided to jumpstart the festivities by swinging a deal with their AL West rivals on Wednesday night. The Halos shipped catcher Logan O'Hoppe and reliever Chase Silseth to the Texas Rangers in exchange for 19-year-old infield prospect Angel Arredondo.

While his offensive numbers this season are disappointing (.209/.271/.295 with a 58 wRC+), the Reds could've used a young controllable catcher like O'Hoppe. Throw in the fact that Silseth is having a breakout year coming out of the Angels' bullpen, and this looks like the type of deal the Cincinnati Reds should've been involved in.

Furthermore, on the surface, the ask on the part of the Angels appeared be rather light. No reputable outlet ranked Arredondo among the Rangers' top prospects, though he's hitting .243/.371/.392 in 85 games at Low-A this season.

Trading for a controllable catcher like Logan O'Hoppe need to be on the Reds' radar

The Reds need to address their catching depth between now and the start of the 2027 season. The MLB trade deadline seems like as good a place as any to start. Tyler Stephenson is a free agent at the end of the 2026 season, and is likely to be dealt ahead of Monday's deadline. The Reds have both Jose Trevino and Will Banfield on the 40-man roster, but neither players is starting-caliber catcher.

Reds fans are excited about the idea of Alfredo Duno eventually setting up shop behind the dish, but the organization's top prospect is at least a year away from making it to big leagues. Duno was just promoted to Double-A earlier this month, and developing catchers takes time. Some scouts question whether or not the hulking backstop will even remain at catcher, which only heightens the Reds' need.

Did the Reds whiff on adding O'Hoppe? That's debatable. Both his offense and defense are underwhelming, and the Rangers immediately optioned him to Triple-A. But the trade itself illustrates the type of moves Nick Krall and the Reds' front office have to make later this week.

The Reds have stressed their desire to address needs for next year's team. Adding a Major League-caliber catcher and an extra arm should be on the wish list, especially if the return is as menial as what the Rangers just gave up.

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