The Cincinnati Reds are currently sitting at a 54-50 record and find themselves just one game back from claiming the final National League Wild Card spot. As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Reds are actively exploring options to strengthen their roster for a postseason push.
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Reds are zeroing in on two main areas of need: a strong bat for the middle of their lineup and reinforcements for the bullpen. In a recent article detailing trade buzz from around the league, Rosenthal noted, “The Reds are targeting a middle-of-the-order bat and bullpen help,” confirming that Cincinnati is in a buyer’s mindset heading into the final stretch of July.
Rosenthal also cited a rival MLB executive who believes both the Reds and the San Francisco Giants should be aggressive buyers ahead of the July 31 deadline. This assessment aligns with the Reds’ competitive positioning and their need to take advantage of a relatively open race for the National League’s third Wild Card spot.
Cincinnati’s desire for a middle-of-the-order hitter doesn’t come as a surprise. While the team has had some strong offensive performances, adding a proven, powerful bat would provide more balance and consistency to the lineup. Ideally, such a player would slot into the lineup between Austin Hays and Elly De La Cruz—both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance this season. Hays has brought experience and solid at-bats, while De La Cruz, known for his electrifying speed and power, is one of the most exciting young players in the league. Placing a reliable slugger between them could give opposing pitchers serious matchup problems and elevate the Reds’ offense to a new level.
Beyond the lineup, bullpen support remains a high priority. While the Reds’ relief corps has shown resilience at times, inconsistencies have cost them games in tight situations. An additional late-inning arm or setup man could stabilize the group and give the team more flexibility in high-leverage situations down the stretch.
Cincinnati’s front office has already made it clear that it intends to compete, and with the trade deadline looming at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31, the pressure is mounting to strike a deal that can make an immediate impact. The front office has assets to move, especially from a deep farm system that could appeal to teams looking to rebuild or shed salary.
With the playoff race heating up, time is of the essence. The Reds are in a rare position where a well-executed trade or two could be the difference between sneaking into the postseason and falling short. Manager David Bell and the coaching staff are likely eager to see what kind of reinforcements the front office can provide.
The National League Wild Card race remains crowded, with multiple teams hovering around the same win-loss mark. For the Reds to separate themselves, they’ll need more offensive firepower and a reliable bullpen that can shut the door in late innings. These upgrades won’t come cheap, but Cincinnati’s current position makes a compelling case for a win-now approach.
Rosenthal’s article reinforces the sense of urgency building in Cincinnati and elsewhere. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, fans and players alike are keeping a close watch on how the roster might change in the coming days. The outcome of the Reds’ trade strategy could define the remainder of their season and determine whether this team gets a shot at postseason baseball in 2025.
In the meantime, speculation continues to swirl about potential trade targets. While no specific names have been confirmed, sluggers on struggling teams and relievers in expiring contracts are expected to be among the top options considered. Whether the Reds land a marquee bat or a key bullpen piece—or both—will soon be revealed as the deadline clock ticks down.
As July 31 nears, one thing is clear: Cincinnati is in position to be one of the most active teams on the trade market, and how they respond could have major implications for their playoff hopes and the franchise’s near-term future.
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