Reds’ latest scouting trip all but confirms these 3 players are on their trade radar

According to New York Yankees beat writer Eric Boland, the Cincinnati Reds had scouts on hand at Yankee Stadium for Monday's game in the Bronx. Who was the Yankees' opponent, you ask? None other than the Tampa Bay Rays.

This latest tidbit would seem to indicate that Cincinnati is taking a long look at first baseman Yandy Díaz and relievers Pete Fairbanks and Garrett Cleavinger as the trade deadline approaches. The Reds have been rumored to be looking for a middle-of-the-order bat and some relief help. The Rays could provide a one-stop shop for both.

Díaz wreaked havoc during the Rays' recent visit to Great American Ball Park over the weekend. The Tampa Bay slugger mashed two home runs during the three-game series, and sure would look good with the wishbone 'C' on his cap. Fairbanks didn't toe the rubber during the Rays' visit, but shutdown New York with a four-out save on Monday night.

Reds scouting trip all but confirms Cincy is targeting Yandy Dìaz and other Rays' standouts

Though Tampa Bay won Monday's game in New York, the Rays appear to be sellers (and possibly buyers) ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. The Rays dealt catcher Danny Jansen to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday afternoon, but also acquired Nick Fortes from the Miami Marlins.

If the Reds are truly looking for a big-time bat at the deadline, Díaz is the only available player on the Rays roster who matches that description. The veteran is hitting .284 with an .816 OPS and 19 home runs this season. Among Díaz's teammates, only Junior Caminero has better stats, and Tampa Bay is not trading him.

Fairbanks is 4-3 on the season with a 2.84 ERA and 17 saves in 39 appearances out of the Rays' bullpen. His contract contains a club-option for the 2026 season, which could give Cincinnati some long-term insurance if current closer Emilio Pagán leaves via free agency this offseason.

While Fairbanks is the most recognizable name among Tampa Bay's relievers, the left-hander Cleavinger could be a sneaky addition at the trade deadline as well. The southpaw owns a 2.45 ERA on the year with 50 strikeouts over 32⅔ innings of work and is under team control through 2027.

With the trade deadline approaching, Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall will need to make some moves in the coming days. Don't be surprised if the Rays become a key trade partner before Thursday's deadline passes.

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