Reds prospect Cam Collier becomes trade deadline name to watch (but there's a catch)

As they typically do around this time of year, a group of MLB.com beat writers compiled their thoughts about the upcoming trade deadline and selected one viable trade chip from each organization. This year, MLB.com contributor and Cincinnati Reds' beat reporter Mark Sheldon chose infield prospect Cam Collier.

Collier is an interesting choice, though if you dig a little deeper, you can understand why Sheldon made the selection. This season, Collier is hitting just .223/.298/.395 with an 80 wRC+, but he's a former first-round pick with a good pedigree, and has plenty of power from the left side of the batter's box.

Collier hit 20 home runs in 2024, but that number dipped significantly last season (4) after suffering a hamate injury in the spring. He underwent wrist surgery and appeared in just 95 games, but still managed to post a combined .279/.391/.384 slash line with a 123 wRC+.

Trading Collier actually makes sense. As Sheldon mentions in his excerpt, the 21-year-old is blocked at both corner infield spots by the duo of Sal Stewart (1B) and Ke'Bryan Hayes (3B).

Cincinnati also has to make a decision about Collier's future with the organization this offseason. He'll be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft, and if the Reds don't add him to the 40-man roster, another team might add him to theirs.

Cam Collier could be delt at the MLB trade deadline if the Reds start winning again

But unless Collier is able to find success with the bat this season, it's unlikely Cincinnati would include him in a trade deadline deal. They'd essentially be trading him when his value would be at its lowest. Furthermore, if the Reds don't start stacking wins, they're unlikely to be trading away anybody, but rather selling off some of their expiring assets.

The Reds look more like sellers than buyers at the moment. Elly De La Cruz is on the injured list along with Hunter Greene, and the team is searching for answers. Cincinnati's bats have gone silent, the team's defense has been uncharacteristically undisciplined of late, and it's left manager Terry Francona scratching his head.

But despite all the losing, the Reds remain in contention for a playoff spot. While they occupy the NL Central basement at the moment, they're still within striking distance of the final Wild Card spot, and if Cincinnati can start to pile up wins, they'll quickly be right back in the thick of a competitive chase for the postseason.

The Reds' success (or failure) over the next two months, along with Collier's ability to get back on track, will play a role in whether or not Cincinnati is willing and able to make such a bold move ahead of the August 3 deadline.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow