3 bold predictions for the 2nd-half of the Reds 2023 season

The Cincinnati Reds enter the second-half of the 2023 season with the postseason within reach.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz | John Fisher/GettyImages
1 of 3

The Cincinnati Reds were arguably the most surprising team in Major League Baseball over the first-half of the 2023 season.

David Bell's squad owns a winning-record just a year after losing 100 games. Cincinnati leads the National League Central Division by one game over the Milwaukee Brewers and look be buyers rather than sellers at this year's trade deadline.

The Reds are currently 50-41, so with 71 games remaining, how might the remainder of the season play out? What are three bold predictions for the Cincinnati Reds over the second-half of the 2023 season?

1. Bold prediction for 2nd-half of Reds 2023 season: White Sox starter is traded to Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Reds need starting pitching and the Chicago White Sox have a plethora of it. While it's unlikely to see the South Siders deal Dylan Cease at this year's trade deadline, Michael Kopech, Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito, and Mike Clevinger could all be on the move before August 1st.

A player like Cease will cost a small fortune, and is probably more than Reds GM Nick Krall would be willing to surrender this summer. Kopech, who's currently on the 15-day IL, is also going to cost a lot in terms of prospect capital.

The other three hurlers, however, are slated to become free agents after the 2023 season. Clevinger is currently on the 15-day IL with an arm injury, so one would think it might be wise to steer clear of the former Cleveland hurler.

The other two, Giolito and Lynn, could be rather attractive to teams looking to bolster their starting rotation at the deadline. Giolito's numbers aren't as dominant as what we've seen in years past, but the former All-Star would add some punch to the middle of the Cincinnati starting rotation.

Lance Lynn is an intriguing option, and wouldn't cost as much. Over his last four starts, Lynn has recorded 41 punch outs and made it past the six inning three times. If the Cincinnati Reds are looking to add as starting pitcher at the deadline, the Chicago White Sox might be a good team to call.