Reds fans should stop dreaming about these trade deadline favorites

With the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaching, Cincinnati Reds fans are hoping for something — anything — to happen. There's still a belief that this team can contend for the postseason, but Nick Krall and his front office staff will need make a move (or two) to bolster a roster that is still few pieces away from being ready for October.

But who should the Reds pursue? There are plenty of options, including some that are a bit far-fetched. In a perfect world, Cincinnati would acquire either a top-end outfielder, upgrade their production at third base, and a top reliever.

But is that realistic? Krall and Reds GM Brad Meador have spoke about keeping the top of the farm system intact, and that will likely take them out of the running for these three players at the deadline.

Reds fans should stop dreaming about these trade deadline favorites

Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians outfielder

The Reds would love to add an outfielder. Cincinnati has become so desperate that the coaching staff has begun experimenting with Noelvi Marte in right field. Steve Kwan is as reliable as they come, and could be dealt ahead of the deadline.

A tremendous contact hitter with a terrific arm makes Kwan the perfect outfield target for the Reds. Kwan would be quite the catch for several teams wishing to add another outfielder, but the Reds would need to reach deep in their pockets to attain him. That seems unlikely.

Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman

It seems like every team is in love with Eugenio Suárez. He's crushed seven home runs in his last seven games, bringing his season total to 36. But it's hasn't only been this past month or so that Suárez has been dominant; he's been one of the best position players in baseball over the past year.

The former Reds third baseman, who's in the final year of his contract, may be the likeliest player to be traded at this year's deadline, and it's just a matter of which team will fork over the most to acquire him. The Reds are rumored to be involved in talks with the D-backs, but will the front office surrender what it's going to take to get a deal done? That seems unlikely.

Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland Guardians pitcher

Who wouldn't want an elite closer at the deadline? The Reds had one in Alexis Diaz, before his production fell off a cliff resulting in a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though Emilio Pagán has been servicable at the back-end of the bullpen, Clase would be a perfect fit.

The Guardians are listening to offers for Clase, who is as good as advertised. A three-time All-Star and 2024 Cy Young finalist, Clase would add a level of dominance to the Reds' staff that they've not seen since Aroldis Chapman pitched in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati fans are hopeful that Krall and the front office goes all-in ahead of the MLB trade deadline, but these three players feel like a pipe dream at this point. It's time for Reds fans to give up on their dreams of landing any of these players before the July 31 deadline.

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