Reds could pounce on a Rays' offseason priority that suddenly makes a trade realistic

The Tampa Bay Rays operate much differently than the rest of the league. Relying on top-tier scouting, elite pitching development, and shrewd (sometimes even callous) trades, the Rays are almost always in contention year in and year out.

But Tampa Bay fell short this past season and will be looking to get back to the playoffs in 2026. One of their top priorities is to find a short-term solution for their starting rotation — something the Cincinnati Reds may be able to help with.

While Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall has downplayed the idea of trading from the organization's abundance of starting pitchers, Tampa Bay could provide Cincinnati with the ideal trade package that would help them contend next season.

Rays' offseason priority suddenly makes trade with Reds realistic

The Reds have two short-term starters on their roster at the moment. Brady Singer is heading into his final year of team control and is expected to make approximately $12 million through arbitration. Nick Lodolo won't reach free agency until after the 2027 season, and his expected salary for 2026 is a little less than $5 million.

Seeing as how the Rays are targeting an innings-eater, Singer would seem to be the more logical fit. While Lodolo offers more upside, his lack of durability would likely be a deal-breaker for the risk-averse Rays.

Tampa Bay has plenty of attractive pieces that Cincinnati could target in a potential trade. Rookie Jake Mangum broke into the majors last season, and could fill a need in left field. Trading for Yandy Diaz would bring a power bat to the Reds lineup next season, and his 2026 salary is a virtual match for Singer's. Adding a left-hander like Garrett Cleavinger would also help to fill a massive hole in the Reds bullpen.

While Singer was a tremendous acquisition last year, the Reds could shed his salary and use the savings to add elsewhere. With Lodolo, Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson, Julian Aguiar, and Chase Petty, Krall can afford to shop at least one of his arms this offseason if it helps improve the lineup.

With the GM Meetings now in the rearview mirror, all eyes will turn to the annual Winter Meetings. If Krall and Co. laid the groundwork for a potential trade at last week's meetings, those talks could culminate in a deal during second week of December in Orlando. Perhaps a Reds-Rays swap will be part of the action.