Reds should pounce on this unexpected D-backs bullpen trade opportunity

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline nears, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves in a familiar position: teetering on the edge of playoff contention and needing reinforcements to push them over the top. The front office is expected to be active — whether targeting an impact bat, a shutdown reliever, or ideally both — as they look to capitalize on a wide-open NL Wild Card race.

But if they’re smart, there’s one bullpen arm in particular they should be making calls about immediately. Shelby Miller of the Arizona Diamondbacks. At 34 years old, Miller has quietly put together a resurgence season for the D-backs, operating as their go-to high-leverage arm in the absence of injured closer Justin Martinez.

Through 36 ⅓ innings, Miller owns a stingy 1.98 ERA, with 40 strikeouts, and 10 saves. He’s been a reliable force in late innings, and his mix of experience, command, and swing-and-miss stuff makes him a valuable asset — especially for a team like the Reds that may need another option in the ninth inning.

Shelby Miller could be the under-the-radar bullpen boost the Reds need

That’s not a knock on Emilio Pagán, who’s handled the closer role admirably. The veteran right-hander is 20-for-23 in save opportunities with a 2.93 ERA, stabilizing what’s been a volatile bullpen in years past. But down the stretch, having a second closer-caliber arm is more luxury than redundancy. It’s a necessity. One bad week can upend a postseason bid.

He wouldn’t just give Cincinnati depth — he could step in immediately if Pagán falters, match up against tough righties or lefties in late innings, or simply fortify the bridge from the rotation to the ninth. And unlike some of the higher-profile bullpen names expected to be available, Miller wouldn’t cost a top-tier prospect. The Reds could add him at a reasonable price, giving them insurance without mortgaging their future.

Of course, there’s one caveat: Arizona needs to sell. The Diamondbacks have hovered around mediocrity all season, and while they’ve been reluctant rebuilders in the past, they’re staring at a roster with many expiring contracts and few guarantees. Moving veteran arms like Miller wouldn’t signal a teardown — it would be a wise retool. Arizona has the opportunity to rework their long-term outlook without gutting the present, and dealing Miller, who is set to hit free agency, would be a sensible step.

If that door opens, the Reds need to be the first team in line. The market will offer bigger names and flashier stuff, but Miller represents what the Reds truly need: a reliable, low-risk, high-upside reliever with postseason experience and the ability to close games.

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