The Cincinnati Reds are in a bit of a pickle. With a 44-53 record and a 7-game deficit to the final NL Wild Card spot, they're in desperate need of a shake-up. And according to The Athletic's C. Trent Rosecrans and Ken Rosenthal, that shake-up could come in the form of some strategic trading. The focus? Players with expiring contracts, of course.
But let's not just take their word for it. Let's dive into the details and explore the implications, because in my opinion, this is where the real intrigue lies. The Reds are looking to move some rental pieces, and while they might be open to trading players with team control, the real question is: what are they willing to give up?
One name that immediately stands out is Brady Singer. The 29-year-old right-hander is one of the most expensive players on the roster, having made $12.75MM in his last year of arbitration. But what makes Singer particularly fascinating is his performance this season. With a 4.56 ERA and a 19.2% strikeout rate, he's not exactly covering himself in glory. And the fact that he's been taken deep 21 times, tied for the fifth-most in the league, is a cause for concern. Getting him out of the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park might help, but as it turns out, that's not the issue. Singer has a sub-3.00 ERA at home, and his homers have been split almost evenly between GABP and road venues.
Now, you might be thinking, 'Well, what's the big deal?' But here's the thing: Singer's durability could be a real selling point for teams in need of reliable innings. And let's not forget the fact that he's a workhorse, which is always a plus in the trade market. So, while his performance this season has been a bit of a letdown, his value as a reliable starter could make him a desirable asset for contending teams.
Another name that's been making the rounds is Eugenio Suarez. The follow-up to his 49-homer season has not gone as planned, with a 35.8% strikeout rate and a -5 Defensive Runs Saved at third base. But here's the thing: Suarez is almost certainly heading back to the free agent market this offseason. So, while trading for him might seem like a risky move, it's also a move that could pay off if his power stroke returns over the final two months of the year. After all, as the saying goes, 'Hope is the last thing to die.'
Now, let's talk about Nathaniel Lowe. The veteran first baseman carried an .895 OPS into June, but has fallen back to earth since then. Despite that, his wRC+ still sits at a solid 114 before Saturday's game. Lowe has been an above-average bat every season except last year, when he struggled in stints with the Nationals and Red Sox. So, while his performance has dipped a bit, he could still be a valuable addition to a contender's lineup as a platoon bat or bench option.
Finally, let's talk about the relievers. Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguson, and Brock Burke all seem like likely candidates to be moved. They're pitching reasonably well, and with the deadline approaching, they could find themselves on playoff teams after the deadline. Johnson, for example, has a 4.23 ERA and a 6.24 xERA, but he's still a valuable asset in the high-leverage mix. Ferguson and Burke, meanwhile, are likely to have the attention of teams looking for lefty help, with Ferguson delivering a 1.76 ERA through June and Burke being one of the most-used relievers in the league.
So, there you have it. The Cincinnati Reds are looking to shake things up, and with the trade deadline looming, all eyes are on them. While the focus is on players with expiring contracts, the real intrigue lies in the strategic moves that could shape the future of the team. And in my opinion, that's what makes this story so fascinating. It's not just about the players being traded, but about the potential impact on the team's future and the broader implications for the league as a whole.
