Trade candidate Brandon Drury and the Reds look to keep the Marlins swimming upstream

Slugger Brandon Drury has been the Reds MVP so far in 2022.

Cincinnati General Manager Nick Krall has been an easy target for Reds Country, and in more cases than not, deservedly so. However, credit must be given when it's due and his inking infielder Brandon Drury to a deal in March has been a stroke of genius.

Entering August, the 29-year-old slugger has already established a career-high in homers (20) and is just four ribbies away from matching his high-water mark of 63 reached during the 2017 season as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Additionally, Drury shows no signs of slowing down.

Over his last 30 games, the Oregon native is slashing .284/.349/.526 with five homers and 22 RBIs. Drury also brings versatility to the table. He's logged time at all four infield positions as well as right field.

Now comes the interesting question. Will Drury still be a Redleg by the time this series ends? If I'm a betting man, I say he will be traded before Tuesday's trade deadline. His bat and versatility can be a major asset for a contending ball club.

This brings us full circle and tip of the cap to Nick Krall for turning a journeyman infielder into perhaps a mid-level prospect from a squad chasing a playoff berth. Let's see what happens as we inch ever closer to the trade deadline.

Prediction: The Reds will let the Marlins off the hook in South Beach.

Can the Cincinnati Reds keep up their winning ways as they embark on their first road trip of the second half of the 2022 season? Not so fast my Redlegged friends.

Look for the Marlins to take two of three from the Reds before Cincinnati travels north to battle the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend.