Reds urgency at MLB trade deadline slowed by Brandon Williamson's performance

As the MLB trade deadline draws closer and closer, rumors continue to swirl about around the idea of the Cincinnati Reds upgrading their starting rotation.

With Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo still on the IL and unlikely to return until August, there's merit to the idea. However, most fans and experts believe Cincinnati would be targeting a back-of-the-rotation arm to compliment Greene, Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Graham Ashcraft.

But trading for a starting pitcher can be quite expensive. And based on the recent performance from left-hander Brandon Williamson, the Reds may not even need to add another starter at the trade deadline.

Reds urgency at MLB trade deadline slowed by Brandon Williamson's performance.

Brandon Williamson's last few outings have seen him go from spot-starter to a legitimate option at the backend of the rotation. His performance could the Cincinnati Reds' pursuit of a starting pitcher at the MLB trade deadline off the table all together.

After owing a 5.82 ERA following a horrific rain-shortened start against the Baltimore Orioles, Williamson has turned his season around. Over his last four starts, Williamson has logged 20 innings, allowing just 11 hits and has posted a 2.25 ERA during that stretch.

According to Baseball Savant, Williamson's changeup allows a batting average against of .152 and induces a 45% whiff-rate (total number of swings divided by the number of swing and misses). A relatively new metric, whiff-rate is a tremendous way to judge a pitches ability to record a swing and miss.

The Cincinnati Reds have a solid starting pitcher on their hands with Brandon Williamson. With the southpaw pitching so well, the Reds should perhaps think twice about adding another starter at the trade deadline.