Reds Rumors: Nick Krall has made trade deadline intentions clear to opposing GMs

The Cincinnati Reds intend to buy ahead of the upcoming MLB trade deadline. Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall and the Cincinnati front office have reportedly made opposing organizations aware of their intentions with just under two weeks remaining until the July 31 deadline.

According to former Reds GM Jim Bowden — now a contributor for The Athletic (subscription required) — Cincinnati has sent clear signals to opposing general managers that they're looking to add an outfield bat and bolster their bullpen in the coming days. Bowden cites the Reds' deep farm system and presence of manager Terry Francona as two chief reasons Cincinnati may be more aggressive than in years past.

Recently, Reds GM Brad Meador revealed the team's strategy heading into the final days of July. According to Meador, with the Reds just 2½ games out of the playoffs, the team will make a push to win at the trade deadline. Krall's right-hand man, however, did couch his comments by saying, "We’re not going to do something that sets us back over the next five years right now.”

Reds Rumors: Cincy targeting outfield bat & bullpen help at MLB trade deadline

While GMs and team executives are oftentimes careful to keep their trade deadline strategy shrouded in mystery, it would appear as though the Reds' front office isn't pulling any punches this time around. If you've got an outfielder (preferably a right-handed hitter) or a reliever you're looking to deal at the deadline, you might want to give Krall and Co. a phone call.

Several teams fit the bill. While the Arizona Diamondbacks don't necessarily have the outfield bat Cincinnati is seeking, the team's recent decision to shift Noelvi Marte to right field affords the Reds the ability to target Eugenio Suárez at the deadline.

The St. Louis Cardinals now appear to be open for business, though trading within the division is always risky. Some other teams of note could be the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Guardians, and Minnesota Twins.

It remains to be seen how aggressive Cincinnati will be before July 31, but Meador's comments seem to suggest that top prospects like Chase Burns, Sal Stewart, and Cam Collier won't be made available. That could impact the Reds' ability to get a true difference-maker at the trade deadline, but with Cincinnati in the hunt, they don't need a ton in order to make a playoff push over the final few months of the season.

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