Reds Rumors: MLB insider lists big-name trade candidates for Cincy at deadline

If the MLB trade deadline were today, the Cincinnati Reds would be buyers, right? The Reds recent surge has put them in the thick of the NL Central and the NL Wild Card race. A series win over the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend would be the icing on top, with another division opponent awaiting next week in the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The buzz around the city of Cincinnati is palpable and Reds fans are looking to see Nick Krall do some wheelin' and dealin' before the July 30th deadline. With the newfound possibility that players like Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Brandon Williamson may not return in 2024, Krall's wishlist just got a little bit longer.

Our old friend Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required) offered up his own thoughts about who the Reds — and every other major league team — should target at the upcoming MLB trade deadline. Bowden, as he's prone to do, went a little bit over the top with some of the names he selected, but others may not be too far off.

Reds Rumors: Would Cincy consider the likes of J.D. Martinez and Eloy Jiménez at the MLB trade deadline?

Bowden rightfully cites offense and bullpen depth as the Reds' two most glaring deficiencies. That's understandable. Even with the Reds' recent run of late, Cincinnati ranks in the bottom half of the league in OPS. The Reds bullpen has held its own this season, but every contender will be looking to bolster its relief corps later this summer.

In terms of lineup additions, Bowden listed players like Brent Rooker (Oakland A's), J.D. Martinez (New York Mets), Josh Bell (Miami Marlins), and Eloy Jiménez (Chicago White Sox). All four of those players are, indeed, likely to be moved at the deadline.

Rooker was an All-Star last season, Martinez is a middle-of-the-lineup slugger, Bell has long history hitting well in Cincinnati (.852 OPS at Great American Ball Park), and Jiménez is a free agent after this season. Any of those four players would add some thump to the Reds lineup.

Reds Rumors: Dylan Floro and Michael Kelly could help the Reds bullpen

Among the relievers that Bowden selected to join the Reds at the trade deadline were Michael Kelly (A's), Jake Diekman (Mets), Dylan Floro (Washington Nationals), and Jason Foley (Detroit Tigers). All four would add some much needed depth to the Reds bullpen.

Kelly fits the Reds' window for contention and has a sub-3.00 ERA, while Diekman would be a two-month rental. A former Reds pitcher, Floro has been outstanding for the Nats this season, and Foley would be another longer-term addition.

Who knows what Krall and Co. will do at this year's MLB trade deadline. A lot may depend on the health of players like Encarnacion-Strand, Williamson, and Matt McLain. But Reds fans should look for Cincinnati to either buy or stand pat. This is not the time to sell.

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