Under-the-radar Marlins outfielder could be Reds’ best trade option

There are varying opinions about who the Cincinnati Reds might target at this year's trade deadline. Some Reds fans don't even believe the team will be active at the deadline, but if Cincinnati hopes to compete for a spot in the postseason, they need to improve the roster — at least around the margins.

The outfield has seen an uptick in production of late, and the impending return of Austin Hays should help bolster the club's depth even more. But Cincinnati needs a little more than Garrett Hampson and Connor Joe on the outfield grass.

Miami Marlins outfielder Dane Myers should be on the Reds' shortlist. A Statcast darling, Myers is among the best in baseball in advanced metrics like average exit velocity and expected batting average. Last season, Myers was among the upper echelon in barrel rate and hard-hit rate while also possessing one of the best outfield arms in the league. With the Marlins in the midst of a rebuild, Cincinnati should zero-in on Myers at the trade deadline.

Under-the-radar Marlins outfielder Dane Myers could be Reds’ best trade option

Myers brings more to the table than just a loud bat. The 29-year-old has had plenty of success against left-handed pitching this season — something the Reds have struggled with in 2025. Myers is hitting .400/.444/.620 against southpaws this season with a 197 wRC+. Even against right-handed pitching, Myers has held his own to the tune of a .289/.337/.386 slash line with a 103 wRC+.

Myers was drafted as a pitcher by the Detroit Tigers in 2017, but after an injury-riddled 2019 minor-league season, was converted into an outfielder. The Marlins picked Myers up as a Rule 5 Draft choice in 2022, and he's become an above-average defender in center field with 2 outs above average (OAA).

The Reds have been trotting out Hampson and/ or Joe of late when a left-handed pitcher toes the rubber. Though the return of Hays will certainly help in this category, the Reds left-handed hitting duo of Jake Fraley or Will Benson are ineffective versus lefties. Since the Reds appear unwilling to call up Rece Hinds, adding Myers alongside Hays and TJ Friedl when a left-hander is on the mound should greatly increase Cincinnati's potency.

When healthy, the Reds have plenty of offensive weapons to deploy against right-handed pitchers. But lefties have neutralized Cincinnati's lineup this season, and Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall needs to find an extra right-handed bat — preferably an outfielder — at this year's MLB trade deadline. Myers could be Krall's best option.

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