Reds should avoid Orioles' trade bait despite Cincy's desperate bid to upgrade lineup

The MLB trade deadline is just a few days away, and the Cincinnati Reds still haven't committed to a specific strategy. The Reds may look to offload one or two relievers on expiring contract, but Cincinnati may also have their eye on a potential upgrade or two.

Most fans would see the starting rotation, even with Frankie Montas, as a strength of this year's team. If the Reds are looking to trade a couple of their veteran relievers, Cincinnati obviously has confidence in some of their young arms like Casey Legumina, Tony Santillan, and Zach Maxwell to help shoulder the load.

But the Reds could certainly use an extra bat. Don't let Cincinnati's recent surge against the Atlanta Braves fool you — this team is still lacking offensive firepower. But while the Reds may be tempted to add an extra hitter at the MLB trade deadline, Cincinnati should avoid these two Baltimore Orioles' bats.

The Reds should avoid trading for Orioles' OF Cedric Mullins and 1B Ryan Mountcastle

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN (subscription required) he Orioles have reportedly dangled both Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle as possible trade bait this summer. Though Mullins is a former All-Star and Mountcastle provides plenty of pop, neither player is a fit for this Reds team.

Mullins's numbers are awful this season. After posting a .721 OPS the past two seasons, the veteran outfielder is hitting just .216/.258/.378. Even his defense has taken a hit this season as well. After accounting for 26 outs above average the past three seasons, Mullins is worth just 1 OAA in 2024.

Mountcastle is just 27 years old and under team control for two more seasons, but the slugger has seen a downturn in on-base percentage this season, and his power numbers are down as well. Mountcastle also has a very undisciplined approach at the dish and has ranked in 10th percentile or lower in chase rate each of the past four seasons.

Neither Mullins and Mountcastle are a good positional fit on the roster either. Mullins is best while playing in the middle of the outfield, a position reserved for TJ Friedl when he returns from the IL. As for Mountcastle, he can play left field, but hasn't done so since 2021. His primary spot is first base — a position currently held by the 1-2 punch of Jeimer Candelario and Spencer Steer.

If the Reds choose to make an upgrade to their offense, it should be a player like Washington Nationals' right fielder Lane Thomas or Tampa Bay Rays' left fielder Randy Arozarena. The Reds have until Tuesday afternoon to make some additions to the roster.

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