3 nightmare scenarios for the Reds at this year's MLB trade deadline

The MLB trade deadline doesn't always bring back good memories for Reds fans. Lately, it's been more like a nightmare. Sure, the Cincinnati Reds weren't sellers last July, but they definitely weren't buyers either. The Reds lone addition, when the team needed an extra starting pitcher, was reliever Sam Moll.

In 2022, most Reds fans wanted to run and hide at the end of July. The Reds spring fire sale turned into a summer blowout. After dealing Sonny Gray, Jesse Winker, Eugenio Suárez, and Amir Garrett before the start of the season, Cincinnati traded away Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle, Brandon Drury, and Tommy Pham at the 2022 MLB trade deadline.

Reds fans are hopeful to avoid that type of nightmare scenario in 2024. And while several Reds prospects and major league players are essentially off limits this summer, what are three nightmare scenarios Reds fans are hopeful to avoid at this year's trade deadline?

Reds trade Jonathan India for prospects

There are two teams rumored to be interested in trading for Reds' second baseman Jonathan India. Both the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees are on the shortlist, and it was reported on Friday that scouts were in attendance at the Reds-Rays game to observe India and some of Cincy's relievers.

There have been trade rumors surrounding India since this past offseason. With such a crowded infield, it's not surprising. However, India has put up phenomenal numbers in 2024 that remind many of the 27-year-old's rookie campaign in 2021.

India could definitely bring a strong return, and the Reds should consider trading the infielder — but not right now. The Reds are not out of the playoff chase by any stretch of the imagination. Heading into play on Saturday, Cincinnati was less than five games back with two months left on the schedule.

Matt McLain is still at least a month away from returning to action, and it's doubtful that Reds fans will be comfortable with Santiago Espinal manning the keystone while Cincinnati still has a fighting chance to make a playoff push. Under no circumstances should the Reds trade India before the MLB trade deadline. Once the offseason arrives, perhaps we can have a different conversation.

Reds go into 'sell mode' and trade players like Jake Fraley, Fernando Cruz & Alexis Díaz

There's been a lot of trade chatter surrounding the likes of relievers Lucas Sims, Buck Farmer, and Justin Wilson. All three pitchers are on expiring contracts, and with Ian Gibaut and Emilio Pagán readying for a return to the active roster, the trio of Sims, Farmer, and Wilson are seen as expendable.

But what if the Reds do more than sell high on some of their soon-to-be free agent relievers? India was already mentioned, and if the Reds do in fact trade their second baseman, there's little motivation to keep players like Jake Fraley around either. The outfielder is still in his arbitration window, and contending teams would love his left-handed bat, solid defense in the outfield, and speed on the base paths.

If the Reds became full-blown sellers, pitchers like Fernando Cruz and Alexis Díaz would all of the sudden become available as well. Both right-handers would be highly coveted as high-leverage relievers on low-cost contracts. Cincinnati would be able to set a high price, and some teams would undoubtedly pay it.

But taking this type of action at the MLB trade deadline will erase any goodwill this Reds front office has built up with the fanbase. While Cincinnati may not buyers at this year's trade deadline, the team is too good to just blow it up and start over in 2025. Going into sell-mode would be a nightmare scenario for Reds Country.

NL West teams go all-in at MLB trade deadline

If the Reds decide to do little more than stand pat at the MLB trade deadline, they still have a good enough team to make a run a the postseason. The Reds have +40 run differential, and a better record in one-run games would probably see this team vying for the NL Central rather than attempting to join the playoff conversation via the Wild Card route.

But instead, Cincinnati is battling with about six or seven other teams for a chance at just three spots. The San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs are mailing it in, and the Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies, and Miami Marlins are out.

But the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Arizona Diamondbacks are going for it. While the Dodgers are in a class by themselves, the Friars and the D-backs are threat to steal away two of the three Wild Card spots. Both clubs are expected to be active at the trade deadline, and could beef up their rosters to help them string together wins over the final two months of the season.

With the surging New York Mets taking control of the top spot in the NL Wild Card chase, Cincinnati could be left to battle with the Padres, Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, and both NL Central contenders (St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates) in order to be part of the conversation in October.

If the Padres and D-backs make a big splash at the MLB trade deadline, the Reds may find themselves unable to catch up. The NL West clubs could make some major additions and if the Reds sit on their hands, it may be too little, too late for David Bell's club down the stretch.

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