Reds could solve a major weakness thanks to Giants trade deadline strategy

The Cincinnati Reds have a laundry list of contributing factors that have led to the team's struggles in 2026, but the biggest amongst them has to be the complete disaster that is the bullpen. The Reds are 28th in ERA (4.93) and dead last in both BB/9 (5.57) and FIP (5.22). Cincinnati also leads the league in a curious little stat called meltdowns (54), which seems rather self explanatory.

But the San Francisco Giants may be able to lend the Reds a life preserver. Earlier this week, several MLB insiders revealed that San Fran was open for business and looking to offload some of their biggest contracts.

ESPN's Jeff Passan and MLB.com's Mark Feinsand are both reporting that the Giants have made Matt Chapman, Rafael Devers, and Willy Adames available ahead of this year's trade deadline.

While none of those names are likely to get the Reds excited, perhaps the Giants would entertain some trade offers for some of their relief pitchers. San Francisco's bullpen hasn't been outstanding in 2026, but they've looked far better than Cincinnati's relief corps. But are there any relievers the Reds should inquire about trading for?

The Giants are said to be holding onto their young talent, but there are a handful of experienced relievers the Reds could target before the upcoming trade deadline.

The Giants have several relievers who could fit the Reds' bullpen

Former Pittsburgh Pirates reliever JT Brubaker is likely to be moved at some point this summer. He currently owns a 2.92 ERA and 3.77 FIP. He doesn't strike out near as many batters as he used to and has seen an uptick in walks this season, but he's a rental and only signed for $1.82 million. However, Brubaker's dustup with Spencer Steer earlier this season might act as a stumbling block.

But Brubaker isn't the only San Fran reliever who's likely to change addresses this year. Left-hander Sam Hentges has a 1.46 ERA and is under team control through 2027, but his alarming 22% walk rate is a giant red flag. Free passes haven't been an issue for Hentges in the past — he had a career 8.4% BB rate coming into 2026 — so maybe this is fixable.

Caleb Killian might be San Fran's best reliever this season with a 3.06 ERA, 4.24 FIP, and a 28.6% strikeout rate in 31 appearances. He fits the Reds' consistent desire to find inexpensive, controllable assets. Killian is pre-arb eligible and under team control through 2031. But this season with the Giants has been his only sustained stop in the majors.

Right-hander Ryan Walker has maintained good control and command until this season, but he's been a durable arm for the past two seasons. Despite his struggles in 2026, he still owns a career 3.18 ERA and has minor league options remaining.

This is one of those situations for the Reds when beggars can't be choosers. In addition to the Giants, the Reds should give the Los Angeles Angels a call and see a pitcher like Sam Bachman, Brent Suter, or Chase Silseth could be had in exchange for a low-level prospect.

The Reds are grasping at straws as they try to stay afloat in the Wild Card standings. If they want to make some noise and get back into the playoff hunt, improving the bullpen is a must.

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