Former Reds All-Star's comments prove Nick Krall could learn something from D-backs

For the past two seasons, the Cincinnati Reds have sat on their hands at the MLB trade deadline. Sure, snagging Sam Moll in 2023 was a fine addition and grabbing Ty France was certainly an upgrade after he was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners, but for the most part, the trade deadline has been a snooze-fest in Cincinnati.

This, despite the fact that the Reds needed an extra starter last summer and could have used another bat or two at this year's deadline, highlights the lack of urgency that Nick Krall and Cincinnati's front office have shown when it comes to helping push the club into the postseason conversation. The Reds were in first place in the NL Central at last year's deadline and were just five games back of the NL Wild Card this past summer.

Eugenio Suárez, a former All-Star during his time in Cincinnati, is currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks who are in the thick of the wild card chase at the moment. The D-backs, who went to the World Series last year, were out of the playoff picture at this year's trade deadline, but Arizona's GM Mike Hazen made some moves, and according to Suárez, the team took notice.

Former Reds All-Star Eugenio Suárez's comments prove Nick Krall could learn something from D-backs

The D-backs, similar to the Reds, were rather aggressive during the offseason. Arizona traded for Suárez while also signing Eduardo Rodriguez, Jordan Montgomery, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. The Reds, of course, signed Emilio Pagán, Nick Martinez, Brent Suter and Jeimer Candelario.

But when adversity struck, the D-backs acted. Arizona placed MVP candidate Ketel Marte and Gold Glove Award-winning first baseman Christian Walker on the IL. But Hazen then traded for reliever A.J. Puk and former Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Josh Bell to help fill the void. Luis Guillorme was let go by the Los Angeles Angels and eventually snagged back the Snakes as well.

Suárez told USA Today, "It means a lot to us having an aggressive front office. I mean, one day after Walker gets hurt, there’s Bell walking through the door. We know in our mind that we can play with the Dodgers. We know can play with anyone."

Did you catch that? It meant a lot to Suárez and his Arizona teammates knowing that Hazen and the D-backs front office had their backs. Krall and Co. could really learn a thing or two from those comments. When your team sees you pulling out all the stops, it's a signal that you believe that they can compete for a playoff spot. But if you, as a front office, waffle back and forth and make little to no effort, the players sense that and it's demoralizing.

It's time for the Reds office to take some cues from other successful organizations. The D-backs are looking to return to the postseason once again; something the Reds haven't done in over a decade.

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