5 Cincinnati Reds Players Who Could Be Traded Without Derailing Playoff Hopes
The Cincinnati Reds are still very much in the National League playoff race, but fans know one thing: to truly contend, this roster needs a few key additions before the MLB trade deadline. The tricky part? Upgrades come at a price and the Reds might have to deal from their active roster to make it happen.
While nobody wants to see the team mortgage its future, there are a few players who could be moved without tanking their postseason chances. Whether due to roster depth, expiring contracts, or underperformance, these five names stand out as possible trade chips that could help improve the team without setting it back.
1. Emilio Pagán – Relief Pitcher
Trading your closer in the middle of a playoff chase sounds risky but Pagán is on an expiring contract and relief arms are always in demand at the deadline. The Reds bullpen has internal options like Zach Maxwell, Luis Mey, and the reliable Tony Santillan, making Pagán expendable if the return is a much-needed bat.
2. Spencer Steer – Utility Infielder/Outfielder
Steer’s numbers haven’t wowed this season, but if he gets hot before the deadline, he could become a valuable trade piece. The Reds already have Christian Encarnacion-Strand and top prospects like Cam Collier and Sal Stewart in the pipeline. With questions about his long-term fit, Steer could be moved if the right offer comes along.
3. Jake Fraley – Outfielder
Fraley’s value lies in his ability to hit right-handed pitching, but so does Will Benson’s. Having two lefty bats who struggle against southpaws clogs up roster flexibility. Fraley, a free agent after next season, might be the better trade chip and could fill a platoon role for a contending team.
4. Christian Encarnacion-Strand – Corner Infielder
Trading Encarnacion-Strand won’t be popular, but it’s not out of the question. His raw power is undeniable, but so is his strikeout rate. With Jeimer Candelario under contract for next season and several other corner infield options in the mix, dealing one of Steer or Encarnacion-Strand could help land a long-term outfield solution if the return is right.
5. Nick Martinez – Pitcher
Whether the Reds are in or out of the playoff picture, Martinez makes sense as a trade candidate. He’s unlikely to stay beyond this season, and the Reds can’t give him a qualifying offer again. A healthy rotation makes Martinez replaceable, especially with top prospect Chase Burns waiting in the wings.
Moves will have to be made but these five names give the Reds a chance to upgrade the roster without waving the white flag. If done smartly, Cincinnati can remain in the playoff hunt and still keep one eye on the future.
