How the Reds could sell at MLB trade deadline and still remain in the playoff hunt

The Cincinnati Reds have entered the make-or-break stretch of their 2024 schedule. With seven games remaining on their current road trip and just over a week left before the MLB trade deadline, the Reds are in the playoff conversation despite being under .500.

But there's still no telling how Cincinnati's front office plans to approach the upcoming deadline. The Reds could use an extra bat or two, and considering how many injuries the team has endured this season, pitching depth is always a concern.

Oddly enough, there's an opportunity for the Reds to walk this fine line between being a seller at the MLB trade deadline and still be competitive down the stretch.

The Reds could deal relievers like Lucas Sims, Buck Farmer, and Justin Wilson at the MLB trade deadline

There were some Reds rumors that hit the wire recently suggesting that the New York Yankees were eyeballing some of Cincinnati's top relievers. The Yankees are looking to get back to the playoffs this season and could really use some help in their bullpen to help get over the hump in their quest to overtake the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East.

With pitchers like Lucas Sims, Buck Farmer, Justin Wilson, and Brent Suter all scheduled to be free agents this winter, it's easy to see a scenario in which one or more of those pitchers is dealt ahead of the July 30th deadline.

But trading Sims, Farmer, or even Nick Martinez isn't necessarily a signal that Cincinnati would be giving up on their pursuit of the playoffs. The Reds depth down in the minors makes it possible for Cincnnati to trade a reliever or two at the deadline and also remain competitive.

The Reds have Zach Maxwell and others at Triple-A Louisville

The Louisville Bats' roster is filled with potential relievers who could help the Reds bullpen this season. The Reds recently called up Tony Santillan and Casey Legumina, but pitchers like Brooks Kriske, Evan Kravetz, and Yosver Zulueta have all had solid seasons down in the Derby City. Randy Wynne has also pitched quite well, and one of the Reds top prospects — Zach Maxwell — has proven he's ready to be called up as well.

Sims has taken a backseat to Fernando Cruz this season, with 15 of his 39 appearances coming before the eighth inning. Farmer has put up nice numbers in 2024, but David Bell rarely turns to the veteran when the Reds have the lead. Wilson's advanced metrics are very appealing, but at 36 years old, it's unlikely that Cincy will look to re-sign him this offseason. The Reds also have Emilio Pagán and Ian Gibaut on the 40-man roster — both of whom are expected to return later this season.

The Reds could sell some of their mid-tier relievers at the MLB trade deadline, but still wouldn't be mailing in the rest of the season. Reds fans will be glued to the news cycle over the next week to see whether or not their favorite team will be buyers, sellers, or just stand pat.

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