5 pitchers the Reds could target in the final hours of the MLB trade deadline

3. The Reds could target Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty before the MLB trade deadline.

Most Reds fans would completely balk at the idea of trading within the National League Central Division, but the St. Louis Cardinals are in free-fall. After trading away Jordan Hicks and Jordan Montgomery, the Cardinals are waving the white flag.

Former frontline starter Jack Flaherty has had his fair share of struggles lately. Gone are the days when St. Louis would turn to Flaherty on Opening Day, as he looks like little more than a back-of-the-rotation pitcher at this point in his career.

But the Reds aren't looking for an ace. With the likes of Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, and Brandon Williamson living up to the hype, and the impending returns of Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, Cincinnati doesn't necessarily need a frontline starting pitcher.

Flaherty is 7-6 with a sub-5.00 ERA on the season. In 20 starts, the right-hander has over 100 strikeouts, but walks have been a problem this season. The 27-year-old has issued 54 free passes this season. No one on the Reds staff has walked more than 43 batters all season.

The price tag won't be exorbitant for Jack Flaherty, and he's done a good job of keeping the ball in the ballpark this season. Luke Weaver, Ben Lively, and Graham Ashcraft have all allowed more round trippers this season.