Yankees-Pirates trade creates perfect seller's market for Reds bullpen arms

The New York Yankees just made their first move ahead of this year's trade deadline. Oddly enough, it wasn't an addition, but a subtraction. The Yankees traded former All-Star closer Camilo Doval to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for two minor-league prospects.

Doval has been underwhelming this season, to say the least. The right-hander has made 44 appearances on the year and owns a 4.54 ERA and 4.61 FIP. His 21.9% strikeout rate is a career-low.

In return, the Buccos shipped catcher Omar Alfonzo and outfielder Luis Cruz to the Bronx. Alfonzo was ranked among the top-20 prospects in Pittsburgh's farm system according to MLB Pipeline, and Cruz is teenage outfielder in who hit .313/.460/.396 for the Pirates' Dominican Summer League affiliate.

The Cincinnati Reds — who are likely to be shopping at least three members of their bullpen — should be able to reap the benefits of this seller's market. Given the return the Yankees just received for Doval, Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguson, and Brock Burke should all be moved before Monday's deadline passes.

Reds should exploit the seller's market in search of relievers

Johnson, much like Doval, has struggled this season. He spent some time on the injured list, and altogether has logged 32⅔ innings to the tune of a 4.96 ERA and 4.90 FIP. His strikeout rate and salary are both in line with Doval's, which suggests Cincinnati might be able to gain a top-20 organizational prospect if they move the right-hander before the deadline.

Ferguson and Burke have pitched far better than Johnson this season, and both are left handed — something that's typically coveted at this time of year. Ferguson missed the better part of a month with an oblique injury, but has a 4.18 ERA in 25 appearances this season. Burke has been Terry Francona's go-to reliever almost all season, and has posted a 2.56 ERA in just under 53 innings pitched.

The clock is ticking, and despite having seven players on expiring contracts, the Reds have yet to make a move. The Reds' dwindling playoff odds likely pushes the front office to sell, but the recent string of series win seems to have galvanized the clubhouse.

But if teams are surrendering top-20 organizational prospects for a run-of-the-mill reliever on an expiring deal, the Reds have little choice. Nick Krall and Cincinnati's leadership should attempt to secure as much talent as they can before the deadline expires on Monday. It's time to sell.

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