3 former Reds players Cincy should target at the MLB trade deadline

Trade deadline season is a season that is built for rampant, unsubstantiated speculation as to what teams like the Cincinnati Reds are going to do to improve their roster. At the moment, the argument for the Reds even being buyers hinges on their chances of sneaking into a Wild Card spot; they currently sit a handful of games out of the postseason, but smack dab in the middle of a crowd.

The next few weeks will determine exactly how aggressive Cincinnati should be at the deadline, but let's assume for a moment that the Reds are in a buying mood. While most of the connections we are hearing at the moment aren't based on anything other than "team need" and "position this player plays," a lot of teams value familiarity this time of year, and there are some former Reds players who are likely to be available on the trade market who could also be helpful to the 2024 Reds.

Here is a look at some former Reds that the team could target at the deadline this year.

Tommy Pham

Pham's reputation as a guy who takes himself (and fantasy football) too seriously is well-earned and has continued during Pham's time with the White Sox this year. However, one other thing that also hasn't changed since Pham last played for Cincinnati in 2022 is that Pham can flat-out hit and provide some pop that the Reds sorely need.

It feels like Pham is always available at the trade deadline, and that is likely due to teams being more willing to put up with his difficult personality for a couple of months in exchange for his bat instead of for a full year or years. He isn't tearing the cover off the ball in 2024 in Chicago with a .720 OPS with four homers, but he provided both the Mets and Diamondbacks big boosts in offense last year, and he should be cheap enough to acquire as a guy on a one-year deal to at least pique the Reds' interest.

Dylan Floro

Dylan Floro's tenure with Cincinnati was short, but also very effective. Back in 2018, Floro gave the Reds a 2.72 ERA across 25 appearances before he was traded to the Dodgers that July. Since that season, Floro has bounced around from the Dodgers to the Marlins and Twins, seeing his production decrease year over year. However, he has seemingly returned to his excellent self during his current run with the Nationals.

Despite being VERY heavily used by Washington out of the bullpen, Floro has risen to the challenge with a 2.09 ERA in 40 appearances this year after posting a 4.76 ERA in 2023. He still doesn't miss as many bats as you would like out of a reliever, nor does he throw hard, but his fastball has graded out very well this year thanks to his ability to keep the ball on the ground while limiting hard contact. He would be a fine addition as a complementary piece in the Reds bullpen if they went in that direction.

Jesse Winker

There was a time when Jesse Winker was thought to be a big part of the Reds' future. Back in 2021, Winker posted a .305/.394/.556 triple-slash with 24 homers and made the All-Star team. However, he ended up being a roster casualty during the Reds' teardown before the 2022 season and he was ultimately traded to the Mariners along with Eugenio Suarez. After a couple of tough seasons with Seattle and Milwaukee, Winker seems to have found his stride again with the Nationals.

Given Winker's track record, it is fair to be wary that his hit tool could fall off a cliff at any moment. However, Cincinnati needs an offensive boost with Matt McLain out until at least August and, assuming Winker's adjustments pass the eye test, he could fit right back in and provide the Reds with some pop at a relatively low cost.

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