Reds' trade deadline strategy should start with one neglected position

As the Cincinnati Reds head into the upcoming MLB trade deadline, the front office is reportedly looking to offload players who are on expiring contracts. That list would include starting catcher Tyler Stephenson who'll enter free agency after the 2026 season.

Even if Stephenson doesn't become a trade deadline casualty next month — with Jose Trevino and Will Banfield as the only other catchers on the 40-man roster — the Reds must find a way to replenish the position before the start of the 2027 season.

The lack of depth behind the plate was already a problem before this year's trade deadline. Cincinnati lost Trevino to two separate stints on the injured list, and were forced to rely on P.J. Higgins in his absence.

The 33-year-old journeyman hadn't suited up in the big leagues since 2022 with the Chicago Cubs, and though coaches raved about his game-calling abilities behind the dish, he was only able to muster a paltry .545 OPS during his 13 appearances.

The Reds are placing a lot of faith in up-and-coming prospect Alfredo Duno, but most prognosticators assume he'll need at least another year before he's ready to make his big-league debut.

The Reds must find a viable catcher until Alfredo Duno arrives

In other words, the Reds need to find a stop-gap option to share time with Trevino heading into the 2027 season, and this year's trade deadline could provide the perfect opportunity to do just that.

A number of talented catchers (in addition to Stephenson) could be available before the August 3 deadline passes. Baltimore Orioles star Adley Rutschman might be the only one who aligns with the Reds' timeline, but he's currently on the IL for the third time this season, and his price tag is assumed to be higher than what Cincinnati would be willing pay.

The Reds would be far more likely to turn their attention to the minor-league ranks where players like Cooper Ingle (Cleveland Guardians) or Caden Bodine (Tampa Bay Rays) could be had if their respective clubs look to Cincinnati as a means to upgrade their roster before the trade deadline passes. The Guardians also have Bo Naylor and Kody Huff in their farm system.

If Cincinnati fails to address the catcher position at the deadline, they'll be forced to do so during the offseason, as there's no way Cincinnati can afford to head into the 2027 season with Trevino listed as their primary backstop. The contract extension he signed last spring runs through next season with an option for 2028.

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