Reds' approach at MLB trade deadline should mimic that of the 2022 Orioles

A year ago, the Baltimore Orioles laid out the perfect blueprint on what a young, rebuilding team should do at the trade deadline.

Just like the 2023 Cincinnati Reds, the Orioles debuted a highly-rated prospect and saw their rebuild heat up much sooner than anticipated.

The Orioles had a chance to win in 2022, but they would need to add more major league talent in order to compete with the top dogs in American League. Sound familiar? That's the exact situation that David Bell's Reds find themselves in just two weeks before the 2023 trade deadline.

Reds' approach at MLB trade deadline should mimic that of the 2022 Orioles.

While this idea may not sit well with a Reds fanbase that wants to see their favorite team "take advantage of weak NL Central Division", Cincinnati would do well to tread lightly at this year's MLB trade deadline.

The Baltimore Orioles opted to keep their core together. The O's even added to their farm system by trading away Trey Mancini. In return, Baltimore received two prospects that now appear among the Top 20 in their farm system according to MLB Pipeline.

That idea didn't sit well with the Baltimore faithful at the time, but it looks incredible in hindsight. A year later, the Baltimore Orioles have an incredible young core, one of the best farm systems in the game, and are already a virtual lock for the playoffs with the third-best record in Major League Baseball.

The blueprint is there. All Nick Krall and Reds front office needs to do is mimic it to their best ability. It's understandable that a fanbase who's been starved of a contender for years want to win right now, but the cost of this impatience could cost the Reds dearly.

In order to follow this strategy, the Reds could deal away a few veterans on expiring deals of players who don't fit into the club's long-term plans. Buck Farmer, Kevin Newman, and Nick Senzel could help another contending team and may be playing elsewhere after August 1st.

Patience is the name of the game, Reds fans. Don't get eager for this year's team to unload the farm system at the deadline just to make a one-year run the division crown. If the Reds make any moves at the trade deadline, it should bring back a player who won't be a free agent at the end of the season.