3 Reds trade chips who are becoming more expensive

While the Cincinnati Reds have certainly looked much better this week, the harsh reality is that this is still a below-average team. Fans should still expect the Redlegs to be sellers, not buyers, when the trade deadline comes knocking.

Obviously, with an eye toward the future, the Reds would looking to offload some expensive contracts or talented players on one-year deals once the MLB trade deadline gets closer.

A strong performance would certainly drive up the price of some of the Reds hot trade commodities, while struggling players will do nothing to decrease their value in any potential deal. With that in mind, let's look at three Cincinnati players who are increasing their trade value.

1. Reds OF Tommy Pham is becoming a more expensive trade chip.

I love the hustle that Tommy Pham provides. The way he plays can be contagious to a team, and after struggling through the first week-plus of the 2022 season, a visit to his former teammates in San Diego seemed to reignite Pham's fire and his revenge tour hasn't stopped.

Pham is connecting on almost everything that's in the zone. The Reds left fielder among the best baseball in hard hit percentage, average exit velocity, and walk-rate according to Baseball Savant.

Pham has also been a very good defender in the Cincinnati outfield. The 34-year-old has made some fantastic catches in place of Jesse Winker in left field this season.

Given that Pham has a mutual option after the season, the Cincinnati Reds would be wise to trade the veteran as it's unlikely he'll trigger the option, and the club will undoubtedly be looking to elevate one of their young, outfield prospects into the lineup next season.

What the Reds cannot afford to do is wait too long and trade Tommy Pham after he endures another slump like we saw from the former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder go through to begin the 2022 season. The Reds have the likes of Jake Fraley and TJ Friedl that can fill in admirably for the remainder of the season.