1 realistic trade candidate from each team the Reds could target

Which players should the Reds target from the NL Central?

Brent Suter, Milwaukee Brewers

Trading within the division is always difficult, but we've already discussed the need for the Reds to add another lefty to the pen. Former Archbishop Moeller graduate Brent Suter makes sense.

The southpaw struck out 69 batters over 73.1 innings in 2021 and has posted an ERA below 3.20 over the last three seasons. Suter's 162 ERA+ during that span is pretty impressive.

Harrison Bader, St. Louis Cardinals

I know, I don't like the thought of it either, but I've got to pick someone from the St. Louis Cardinals and Harrison Bader seems like the most logical suggestion. Bader is an elite defensive outfielder who showed some decent pop this season.

The Cincinnati Reds need to figure out what they're doing in center field next season. Nick Senzel cannot be count on and Tyler Naquin will likely end up in right field if Nick Castellanos leaves via free agency.

Ian Happ, Chicago Cubs

Ian Happ was a Reds killer in 2021. So why not bring him home to Cincinnati. The former UC Bearcat wrecked havoc on the Reds last season, hitting .345/.433/.759 with seven home runs and 15 RBIs in 19 games.

If nothing else, this would keep Happ from beating up on our beloved Redlegs during the 2022 season. Happ is also able to play all over the field defensively.

Sam Howard, Pittsburgh Pirates

A former 3rd-round pick of the Colorado Rockies, Sam Howard has spent the past two seasons in the Steel City. No, the 5.60 ERA doesn't look too appealing, but the 60 punch outs over 45 innings is hard to ignore.

Howard, 28, posted a 30.2% strikeout-rate in 2021, but also saw his walk-rate creep up to 16.1%. That's the highest it's been during his four big league seasons.