Reds may have tipped their hand on trade deadline target after subtle scouting trip

With the MLB trade deadline drawing nearer, speculation is swirling around every series, every scout sighting, and every potential rumor from the front offices. But while many eyes were locked on Pittsburgh this weekend as the Arizona Diamondbacks came to town, the real action was taking place in Minnesota.

In a quiet yet telling move, scouts from the Cincinnati Reds, along with representatives from six other MLB teams, were spotted in Minnesota as the Twins hosted the Washington Nationals.

It wasn’t just a routine evaluation. This particular matchup featured two teams widely believed to be sellers at the deadline, and it’s no coincidence that clubs in need of impact arms and depth pieces are lining up to get a closer look.

The Reds may be eyeing Twins’ dominant lefty Danny Coulombe ahead of MLB trade deadline

While both the Twins and Nationals have multiple players potentially on the move, including utility man Willi Castro, outfielder Harrison Bader, and starter Chris Paddack — one name in particular may have drawn the most attention from the Reds: veteran left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe.

At 35, Coulombe is quietly putting together one of the most dominant relief campaigns of 2025. He owns a sparkling 1.16 ERA with 31 strikeouts over 31 innings and has allowed just four earned runs across 40 appearances this season. It’s a continuation of his impressive 2024 campaign with the Orioles, one that ended with a 2.12 ERA. It’s baffling to many in the league that Baltimore let him walk.

Now, with Minnesota likely looking to retool and Coulombe set to hit free agency, the Reds appear poised to make a move. Their interest is no surprise, their bullpen has been inconsistent in high-leverage spots, and adding a steady veteran lefty with closing experience would be a significant late-season boost.

What makes this even more intriguing is that the Reds, typically one of the more secretive operations in baseball, are rarely this visible. For them to send personnel to scout a relatively low-profile series speaks volumes about their intent — especially given Coulombe’s growing list of suitors. The Seattle Mariners and New York Mets are reportedly circling as well. Among the three, however, the Reds and Mariners undoubtedly have the deepest farm systems and the prospect capital to make the most competitive offer.

Still, that doesn’t mean they’ll get their man. Cincinnati’s reputation for working quietly can sometimes allow more aggressive front offices, like Seattle's, to swoop in and get deals done before the Reds make their move. If the Reds wait too long, Coulombe could be pitching against them in a playoff matchup rather than for them.

One thing is certain: when scouts show up in clusters, it’s rarely without purpose. And in Minnesota this weekend, the Reds may have just shown their hand, if only for a moment.

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