Reds Rumors: Cincinnati's trade deadline strategy points to a much bigger goal

According to several league sources via The Athletic (subscription required), the Cincinnati Reds have made it known that they're willing to move a number of players at this year's trade deadline. At the moment, they're reportedly limiting their scope to those who are on expiring contracts, but that could change as the August 3 deadline gets closer.

The focus for the Reds is said to be the 2027 season, which makes sense. While this season has been a disappointment, Cincinnati has immense talent up and down the roster. With a core of Chase Burns Hunter Greene, Elly De La Cruz, and Sal Stewart, there's no reason the Reds can't compete next season if they make the necessary improvements at the deadline and during the offseason.

Reds Rumors: Eugenio Suárez, Tyler Stephenson, and others could be traded

If the Reds' focus is on those players who'll be free agents after the season, Eugenio Suárez, Tyler Stephenson, Brock Burke, Caleb Ferguson, Brady Singer, Pierce Johnson, and Nathaniel Lowe could all be on the move before the August 3 deadline passes. Stephenson and Singer are arguably Cincinnati's top two trade chips, though Burke and Ferguson will draw considerable attention as well.

Suárez has a hefty salary attached to to any potential trade, and his performance this season has been underwhelming to say the least. Nevertheless, the demand for right-handed hitters is said to be high, and Geno's been swinging a hot bat of late.

Other Reds rumors have suggested that JJ Bleday and Spencer Steer have become popular targets, but according to the report, Cincinnati is focused on moving rentals. Both Bleday and Steer are under team control through the 2028 season.

While this season has been terribly discouraging, keeping players who can make an impact next season — and adding those of a similar nature at the deadline — is probably the Reds' best strategy. While some fans have been arguing to "tear it all down" and start the rebuild once again, this team is not that far away from competing.

Cincinnati adopted a similar strategy in 2019. After the additions of Tanner Roark, Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood, and Matt Kemp failed to put the Reds in playoff contention, Cincinnati made a bold move at the deadline to acquire future Cy Young Award-winner Trevor Bauer from Cleveland. The Reds returned to the playoffs the following year.

In other words, don't look for Steer or Bleday to be traded unless the front office is completely blown away by another team's offer. And those whispers of a Hunter Greene trade should be dismissed immediately.

With the focus now turning to 2027, Reds fans should expect to see several young players within the organization receive some extended reps during the second-half of the season.

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