Brady Singer trade talks could force Reds into signing underwhelming Cubs' castoff

Most experts and pundits assume the Cincinnati Reds will be sellers at the upcoming MLB trade deadline, and a popular name being bandied about is Brady Singer. One of the most durable starters in the league, Singer is likely to draw interest from numerous suitors before next Monday's deadline, but if he's dealt, the Reds will have a gaping hole in their starting rotation.

There are a number of ways Cincinnati could supplement the expected loss of Singer. Of course, Nick Lodolo is presumed to return from injury in the near future, and the Reds have a handful of capable arms — Jose Franco, Julian Aguiar, and Jose Acuña — down on the farm. Brandon Williamson is rehabbing as well, but who knows how the rest of his season will unfold?

There's also a couple of other factors that could alter those plans, however. Chase Burns is likely to be shut down, or at the very least, have his innings severely restricted in the coming weeks. Rhett Lowder looked great in his most recent start, but it's questionable whether or not he'll finish the year in the rotation. And while the Reds expect Lodolo to return, his battle with blister issues can always derail the best-laid plans.

To that end, the Reds may need to invest in an insurance policy. Much like the addition of Chris Paddack helped Cincinnati navigate an injury-riddled stretch earlier this season, the Reds might need to find another veteran arm as they enter the final two months of the 2026 campaign.

Recently DFA'd Chicago Cubs' hurler Jameson Taillon could be a viable option for Cincinnati, but that's unlikely to excite most fans throughout Reds Country. Why? His 5.92 ERA in 15 starts for the Cubs this season might have a small thing to do with it.

Cubs' castoff Jameson Taillon could help the Reds during the second half

Taillon, who's well known to most Reds fans because of his tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is unlikely to be claimed and will soon elect free agency. The right-hander is in the final year of a deal that's paying him $17 million per season, but once he passes through outright waivers, that contract becomes the full responsibility of the Cubs.

Taillon has been a home run-machine in 2026, giving up 2.96 homer per nine innings pitched. That number is more than double his career mark of 1.34 HR/9, and those results might look even worse if he were to finish out the season at Great American Ball Park.

Unfortunately, this would be one of those "best of what's left" situations. Unless the Reds are able to secure an arm or two at the deadline, they're going to need some added length to get the finish line this season.

The Reds needed Robert Dugger, T.J. Zeuch, and Chase Anderson to help them get through the 2022 season. Brett Kennedy and Carson Spiers were called upon in 2023. And the Reds traded for Jakob Junis to help them finish out the 2024 campaign. In other words, if the Reds become sellers at the deadline, it's going to be grind to the finish, and Cincinnati will need some extra arms.

The Reds could do worse than a pitcher like Taillon in the rotation during the second half, but that type of addition would be a surefire sign that Cincinnati has mailed it in for this season and have their sights set on 2027.

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