Reds fans must hope for Rays' demise with Bleacher Report's trade deadline prediction

Spring training hasn't even arrived yet, and already we're talking about the trade deadline? Welcome to the Major League Baseball offseason where the chatter is always focused on the future. While the idea may seem outlandish to some fans, keeping an eye toward this year's trade deadline is always on the minds of GMs and front office personnel.

The Cincinnati Reds were recently cited by Bleacher Report in its 'Way-Too-Early Predictions for the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline'. One of the outlet's prognostications included the Reds' acquisition of Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz. In order for this to come to fruition, Reds fans must hope the Rays fall out of contention quickly.

Way-to-early trade deadline prediction suggests Reds could land Rays' slugger Yandy Diaz

Diaz would be a tremendous upgrade for the Reds lineup. In fact, it wouldn't be surprising to learn that Nick Krall has already inquired about the Rays' slugger during the offseason. Diaz fits this Reds team perfectly — low strikeout and whiff rate, right-handed bat to balance out the lineup, upgrades one of the team's weakest positions (first base) from the 2024 season.

Unfortunately, all signs point to the Rays holding on to Diaz heading into Opening Day. But if Tampa Bay's 2025 campaign goes sideways — which wouldn't be surprising — the organization could look to deal one of their best trade chips at the MLB trade deadline.

As Bleacher Report correctly points out, the AL East will be one of the toughest divisions in baseball next season, and with the Rays playing away from their home stadium —following the devastation from Hurricane Milton — it could be a trying season for Tampa Bay.

Bleacher Report's proposed trade involved Christian Encarnacion-Strand going to the Rays as part of the return for Diaz. That may seem like a steep price to pay for a 33-year-old infielder who plays below average defense, but if the Reds make an attempt to trade for Diaz, they're targeting his bat, not his glove. Diaz is signed through 2025 for just $10 million, with a $12 million club-option for 2026.

After an injury-plagued season a year ago, Encarnacion-Strand's performance in 2025 could make or break the Reds' potential pursuit of Diaz during the upcoming season. If Cincinnati makes no more additions during the offseason, the Rays could offer the Reds a midseason trade that's too good to pass up.

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