1 under-the-radar Reds player who could be trade at the deadline

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Kyle Farmer (17) and second baseman Donovan Solano.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Kyle Farmer (17) and second baseman Donovan Solano. | Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

There's been a lot of trade talk surrounding Cincinnati Reds infielder Brandon Drury. We've heard Tommy Pham's name whispered in passing, and even Kyle Farmer has been mentioned as a possible trade target of a couple teams as the August 2nd deadline approaches.

But one name that hasn't been thrown around a lot is Donovan Solano. The veteran seems like the perfect buy-low candidate for any number of contending teams. Solano was slowed by a hamstring injury to begin the season, but he seems to have put that behind him.

The former San Francisco Giants infielder has shown the ability to play multiple positions on the infield dirt and his current OPS of .821 has to be appealing to those teams looking for a versatile right-handed bench bat.

Reds infielder Donovan Solano could be dealt at the trade deadline.

The Cincinnati Reds signed Donovan Solano to a one-year/$4.5M contract prior to the 2022 season. Solano was supposed to be the Reds right-handed platoon bat, along with the left-handed hitting Colin Moran. Both free agent signees were expected to see significant time as the team's designated hitter and also fill in at third base.

Well, Solano missed two months due to injury and Moran was outrighted to Triple-A Louisville. Mike Moustakas, when healthy, has been getting the majority of reps as the team's DH while Brandon Drury has seen a lot of time at the hot corner.

With Solano only under contract for the remainder of the 2022 season, it makes perfect sense for the Cincinnati Reds to shop the 34-year-old in an attempt to land a mid-tier prospect in return. Cincinnati also has players like Jose Barrero, Alejo Lopez and Max Schrock at Triple-A Louisville; all of whom would be able to take over Solano's roster spot.

Teams like the New York Mets or Atlanta Braves could be in the market for Donovan Solano, or he may very well garner little-to-no interest and remain on the Cincinnati Reds roster for the rest of the season. But with young players like Barrero and Lopez in need of major league at-bats, the Reds should attempt to deal Solano even if the return is minimal.

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