This White Sox trade package for Tyler Stephenson contains unexpected Reds' inclusion

According to Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall, the organization doesn't yet have an "official" plan of action for the upcoming trade deadline. Most Reds fans, however, assume that this year's team will be sellers before the August 3 deadline passes, and reports suggest Cincinnati will look to move a number of players who are on expiring contracts.

Tyler Stephenson will be a free agent after the 2026 season ends, and could be a popular name among catcher-needy teams at this year's trade deadline. Recent rumors suggest that the Chicago White Sox could be one of those clubs, and they might be able to provide the Reds with a trade package that would satisfy their needs.

But Stephenson alone is doubtful to yield much in return. His bat can be above-average at times and he's a terrific blocker behind the plate, but as a rental, Cincinnati is unlikely to receive much value. Unless, of course, they package him with another pending free agent.

Reds should package Tyler Stephenson and Brady Singer together

Stephenson's battery-mate, Brady Singer, is a free agent to-be, and is likely to be moved at the upcoming deadline as well. In addition to targeting a catcher, Chicago is known to be in the market for a starting pitcher. The combination of Stephenson and Singer could act as a one-stop shop for the White Sox, and it would provide the Reds with a more substantial return.

Krall has talked about the desire to remain competitive for the 2027 season, so getting back some type of immediate contributor would seem to be a high priority. White Sox pitching prospect David Sandlin already made his big-league debut earlier this month, but he's currently pitching for Chicago's Triple-A affiliate.

Sandlin has made 11 minor-league starts this season and owns a 2.13 ERA with 42 punch outs over 42⅓ innings of work. Sandlin is not going to blow you away with this fastball like his counterpart Tanner McDougal, but there's a starter's profile to work with. McDougal comes with a lot of reliever risk.

But a Triple-A pitcher wouldn't be the only ask if the Reds were to combine Stephenson and Singer in the same deal. If the White Sox were to also include outfielder Jaden Fauske, it might be enough to tip the scales. Fauske was Chicago's second-round pick in 2025, and he could be a long-term fit for a position the Reds have failed to develop over the years.

Fauske has spent all season at Low-A and is hitting .262/.396/.387 with a 117 wRC+. Fauske is former catcher who's making the transition to the outfield. He may still be getting used to life on the grass, but the White Sox have allowed him to play all three outfield positions this season and many believe he can turn into a quality centerfielder.

The Reds' upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals represents the make-or-break moment for Cincinnati. A sweep of their NL Central rivals might sway the front office to hold off on the impending roster purge, but a series loss would place Cincinnati firmly into the seller's category. If that happens, look for both Stephenson and Singer to be moved — maybe to the South Side of Chicago.

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