This Reds' NL Central rival could reshape the MLB trade deadline

At the All-Star break, it appeared as though the National League Central Division was going to be a two-horse race between the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers.

Despite the fact that Cincinnati was only able to win three of 13 games against the Brew Crew, the Reds are still less than a game out of first place in the NL Central.

Don't look now, but a familiar foe is making a run and could change the entire complexity of the MLB trade deadline.

This Reds' NL Central rival could reshape the MLB trade deadline.

The Chicago Cubs looked like sellers about two weeks ago, but over their last 10 games, David Ross' club has gone 9-1 and climbed within five games of first place in the National League Central Division. The Cubs have gone from sellers to buyers, and could be a team to watch before next week's trade deadline.

Before the unofficial second-half of the 2023 season got underway, the Reds (50-41) led the NL Central by one game over the Brewers (49-42). The Cubs (42-47) were a distant third. Looking at the NL Central standings right now shows a half-game lead for Milwaukee over Cincinnati with Chicago just 4.5 games back and only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card.

The Cubs now go from looking to trade players like Marcus Stroman, Cody Bellinger, Kyle Hendricks, and Michael Fulmer to possibly acquiring some major league talent before August 1st.

The Chicago Cubs now pose a direct threat to the Cincinnati Reds' aspirations of going to the playoffs this season. The Reds have gone 4-1 against the Cubs this season and have a date with the North Siders next week at Wrigley Field.

After four game inside the Friendly Confines, the Reds will welcome the Cubs to Great American Ball Park for four more games to close out the season series. Keep an eye on the Cubbies at the trade deadline.