1 move Reds can make to follow Cubs' trade deadline blueprint with an eye toward 2025

The Cincinnati Reds' series loss to the Tampa Bay Rays essentially set the organization's course for the upcoming MLB trade deadline. It's hard to see the Reds doing anything other than executing a "soft sell", with players like Lucas Sims, Frankie Montas, and Justin Wilson likely on the trade block.

Cincinnati could follow the Rays' strategy and trade away some more valuable pieces like Sam Moll, Jonathan India, and Fernando Cruz. But that seems rather foolish given the way this team is currently constructed.

Perhaps the best course of action the Reds could take before 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday is to follow what their NL Central rival has already done. Chicago Cubs' President of Baseball Operation Jed Hoyer said that his team would be focused on 2025 and beyond, and they proved just that after Sunday's deal with the Rays for Isaac Paredes.

The Reds should trade for Angels' OF Taylor Ward

The Reds will get an extended look at the now-former Tampa Bay infielder after Hoyer and Rays' executive Erick Neander worked out a trade yesterday. The Cubs, whom the Reds will oppose at Great American Ball Park on Monday night, swung a deal for Paredes shortly after the Rays' win on Sunday. In return, Chicago sent Christopher Morel and two prospects to Tampa Bay.

The Reds could take a similar approach and attempt to make a trade with the Los Angeles Angels before the trade deadline expires. Taylor Ward would be a nice fit for the Reds. Ward, though having a down-year, ranks in the 80th percentile or higher in a number of advanced metrics. Ward's 19.3% chase rate is among the best in the game, and he's also under team control through the 2026 season.

That control is the key. The Reds need major league-ready contributors who can be part of the roster for the next few seasons — especially outfielders. Will Benson, Jake Fraley, and others have shown that they're not up to the task. TJ Friedl has been in and out of the lineup. And Spencer Steer, while serviceable in left field, is not a true outfielder.

The Angels are looking to rebuild after parting with Carlos Esteves and shopping fellow reliever Luis Garcia. Reports are emerging that Ward, Luis Rengifo, and Tyler Anderson could all be dealt before the MLB trade deadline, and Cincinnati should be in on those conversations.

The Reds are in a virtual tie for last place in the NL Central and five games back in the chase for the final NL Wild Card spot. It's not impossible to see the Reds make a late-season charge, but any moves made at the deadline should be with 2025 and beyond in mind.

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