The Reds might need to revisit this familiar trade formula

The 2022 version of the Cincinnati Reds lost 100 games for the second time in franchise history, but thanks in part to a productive trade deadline, the team improved by leaps and bounds the following season and were in the playoff hunt until the final week of the season. Will the Reds employ a similar strategy this summer in hopes of creating a playoff contender for the 2026 season?

Just three years ago, Cincinnati traded the likes of Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle, Brandon Drury, and Tyler Naquin at the deadline after having already parted with Sonny Gray, Amir Garrett, Jesse Winker, and Eugenio Suárez prior to the start of the 2022 campaign.

This year's revamped roster was expected to be one of the best in the NL Central. But the Reds still have numerous holes, and a fire-sale could commence this July. Similarly to 2022, the Reds have several players who could fetch a great return on the trade market.

Fans won’t be shocked if Reds go back to this unpopular plan at MLB trade deadline

While it was hard to part with those stars, it was essential in achieving long-term success. Castillo, Mahle, and others all had short futures in Cincinnati, and the Reds traded them at the right time in order to maximize return. In all, the Reds received Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jake Fraley, Chase Petty, and many other young prospects.

A number of those acquisitions have played a role in the organization's recent success. Other additions included Edwin Arroyo, Héctor Rodríguez, and two players who were eventually traded to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for Will Benson. If the Reds continue their middling ways, and the front office commits to next season, this blueprint could be used to revamp the Reds roster for 2026.

Other than Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and Andrew Abbott, virtually every other Reds player could be considered a disposable asset. Players like TJ Friedl, Tyler Stephenson, and Nick Martinez may be able to fetch a nice return ahead of the July 31st deadline.

Reds fans had high hopes entering 2025, but a run-of-the-mill lineup coupled with injuries has halted any and all momentum. While the 2022 trade-deadline was a fantastic blueprint for future success, the Reds front office seems to have bought in to this year's team. Fans won't be shocked to see this year's team become sellers at the deadline, but it's a dangerous strategy.

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