Grading Reds' performance at the MLB trade deadline

The Cincinnati Reds had a rather uneventful MLB trade deadline. In what was a seller's market, the Reds did well to capitalize on a few of their assets while also adding a handful of players to the team's minor leagues and farm system. But Cincinnati held on to a couple of their trade chips as well.

The Reds attempted to walk that fine line between being a buyer and a seller at the trade deadline. Given the team's postseason aspirations, it's hard to blame them. The Reds entered the 2024 season looking to make a run at the postseason, and while that dream isn't dead, at 52-55 and five games back in the wild-card race, they've got a tall task ahead over the final two months.

Grading deals the day after the MLB trade deadline can be tricky because some of the players the Reds received may not see the major league field for several years, if at all. But after completing four trades over the last few days, let's see if Nick Krall and Co. get a passing grade based on the information we have currently, shall we?

Reds trade Opening Day starter to Brewers for hometown outfielder

Reds receive: Joey Wiemer, OF and Jakob Junis, RHP
Brewers receive: Frankie Montas, RHP

This was, far and away, the best trade the Reds pulled off before the deadline. Starting pitching was at a premium and the Reds decided to part company with Frankie Montas. The Reds Opening Day starter brought a veteran presence to the clubhouse and appeared to have tremendous impact on the young pitching staff, but Montas' production was lacking.

The Reds were able swing a deal with a division rival and secured some help for their beleaguered outfield. Joey Wiemer brings a ton of raw tools to the table, and if he's able to cut down on the strikeouts, this could be a fabulous trade for the Reds. Cincinnati also added Jakob Junis, who will give the Reds some added length in the the bullpen.

Grade: B+

Reds opportunistically nab veteran first baseman at MLB trade deadline

Reds receive: Ty France, 1B
Mariners receive: Andruw Salcedo, C

The Reds added a bat at the deadline in the form of former Mariners slugger Ty France. However, this isn't the same player that went the All-Star Game in 2022. France's production this season has taken a tumble, and Cincinnati is hoping that a change of scenery will do him well.

Giving up one of their lower-level prospects in order to get a big league bat is no skin off the Reds' nose. Will France return to the player he was two years ago? That seems unlikely, but Cincinnati is hopeful he does. The 30-year-old is also under team-control through next season as well, so it's a play that has upside.

Grade: B-

Reds trade longest-tenured player to Red Sox for teenage pitcher

Reds receive: Ovis Portes, RHP
Red Sox receive: Lucas Sims, RHP

This trade felt a little light, didn't it? Or, are Reds fans overvaluing the version Lucas Sims who's been on the bump this season? While relievers like Tanner Scott and Carlos Esteves netted their respective teams fantastic trade packages at the deadline, Cincinnati was only able to entice the Boston Red Sox to surrender pitching prospect Ovis Portes.

Sims' 13% walk rate likely hurt his value on the open market. Also, unlike the aforementioned Scott and Esteves, Sims is not a closer, so the Reds were never going to get a massive haul for the 30-year-old's services. Still, it seems as if Sims was either undervalued by other clubs, or Krall and Co. were duped.

Now, if Portes turns into a viable major league pitcher, this deal will suddenly look much better. But it's far too soon to project how a 19-year-old pitching prospect with barely 60 professional innings under his belt will develop.

Grade: C-

Reds trade clear roster spots with last-minute trade to Orioles

Reds receive: Cash considerations
Orioles receive: Austin Slater, OF and Livan Soto, IF

Many Reds fans missed the Reds' last two trades because they were of little consequence to the major league roster. However, Cincinnati did clear out two roster spots by dealing the unproductive Austin Slater to the Baltimore Orioles just before the deadline expired. Livan Soto was included in the deal as well.

This trade did little more than clear a locker for the Reds' newest addition, Ty France. But nonetheless, it did remove a terribly unproductive player from the roster. Passing out a grade for this one seems senseless, but it was a trade deadline move, wasn't it?

Grade: C- (only because it got Slater off the roster)

Reds trade for infield depth after acquiring Rangers' castoff

Reds receive: Davis Wendzel
Rangers receive: Cash considerations

An under-the-radar trade made the Texas Rangers brought a minor league infielder onto the Reds' 40-man roster. Davis Wendzel, who has some pop from the right side of the batters' box was designated for assignment last week.

The Reds, with an opening on the roster after dismissing Soto, decided to take a flier on the the Baylor product. Wendzel was the 41st overall selection in the 2019 MLB Draft, but has just 27 games at the major league level. Wendzel is little more than a placeholder until Matt McLain returns from the IL.

Grade: D

Overall, the Reds get a solid C for their trade deadline report card. The Montas trade brought a nice return, and clearing out some roster spots was necessary, but only receiving a Low-A pitching prospect for Sims feels like a miss.

Furthermore, the Reds chose not to move some of their best assets like Nick Martinez, Buck Farmer, Justin Wilson, and Jonathan India. That decision could be a wise one if Cincinnati makes a playoff push later this season, but it'll be frowned upon if the Reds end up with a sub-.500 record and lose those players to free agency during the offseason.