Jeff Passan’s latest Reds prediction leaves one massive trade need unanswered

ESPN insider Jeff Passan usually has his finger on the pulse of all the behind-the-scenes action in Major League Baseball. But his latest prediction for the Cincinnati Reds completely missed the mark.

Passan's most recent column for ESPN.com gave readers an early trade deadline preview, and he suggested Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward as a potential target for the Reds. But Passan completely ignored Cincinnati's biggest need — the bullpen.

The Reds don't need outfielders, they need relievers

Ward was a popular trade target among Reds fans prior to last year's deal between the Orioles and Los Angeles Angels. Shortly after the 2025-26 offseason began, the O's shipped Grayson Rodriguez to Anaheim in exchange for Ward. Baltimore has fallen woefully short of expectations for the second season in a row, and they could very well be sellers ahead of the August 3 deadline.

But the Reds have far greater needs than another outfield bat. In fact, the offseason addition of JJ Bleday and the recent promotion of Noelvi Marte should give Cincinnati enough offensive firepower from their group of outfielders. Toss in Spencer Steer, who occasionally draws a start on the outfield grass, and it's apparent that the Reds should focus on other areas of the roster before the trade deadline passes.

Passan cites Ward's high on-base percentage as a means to help Bleday, Elly De La Cruz, and Sal Stewart drive in runs. But none of that amounts to a hill of beans if they can't keep the other team from scoring.

Chief among the Reds concerns as the trade deadline arrives should be the bullpen. Entering play on Friday, Reds' relievers rank 18th in blown saves (10), 27th in ERA (4.96), 28th in WHIP (1.53), 30th in FIP (5.23) and walk rate (13.9%). The Reds bullpen has allowed the fourth most home runs (37) on the season as well.

In other words, if the Reds are actually looking to buy at this year's trade deadline, they should spend all their efforts looking to upgrade the bullpen, not the lineup.

Furthermore, outfielder Hector Rodriguez is one of the Reds' top young talents, and Cincinnati's front office is much more likely to promote him to the big-league roster rather than give up prospect capital in exchange for a two-month rental like Ward.

But Passan did get one thing right in his trade deadline preview. He surmised that the Reds need to stop living around .500 and play like a playoff team. Now that's a statement that all of Reds Country can rally around. Entering play on Friday, the Reds are in the NL Central basement with a record of 31-30.

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