Reds Could Quietly Shop Four Players Despite Deadline Plans to Buy
While the Cincinnati Reds are expected to be buyers at this year’s MLB trade deadline, the front office is also leaving the door open for potential player departures. General Manager Brad Meador recently told MLB.com that the team’s approach remains flexible depending on how they perform leading up to July 31. “We have to keep playing well to be able to think about adding,” Meador said. “That being said, we’re always going to look at both short term and long term. What that means right now, I don’t really know.”
This approach hints at a possible hybrid strategy—one where the Reds could both add players for a postseason push and quietly move pieces who may no longer fit into their long-term vision. While stars like Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott, and Chase Burns are off-limits, several others might be more quietly made available if the right offer comes along.
Here are four Reds players who could be under-the-radar trade candidates:
1. Christian Encarnacion-Strand (Infielder):
Once projected to be a central part of the Reds’ future, Encarnacion-Strand has slipped down the depth chart. His raw power is undeniable, but frequent injuries and high strikeout numbers have raised concerns. With his standing in the organization fading, the Reds could look to deal him while he still carries some upside value.
2. Rece Hinds (Outfielder):
Hinds has been with the organization since being drafted in 2019 and has shown glimpses of his potential. This season, he’s made progress at Triple-A, particularly in reducing strikeouts. Still, he hasn’t carved out a consistent spot on the Reds’ roster. A trade could give him a better path to the majors, while netting the Reds bullpen or farm depth in return.
3. Taylor Rogers (Reliever):
The veteran left-hander hasn’t lived up to expectations since arriving from the Giants in a salary-split deal earlier this year. Despite his recent struggles and hefty remaining salary, Rogers might still draw interest from teams in need of a lefty reliever—especially if the Reds are willing to cover part of the cost.
4. Will Benson (Outfielder):
Perhaps the most valuable trade chip on this list, Benson could attract real interest. Once a key part of the outfield rotation, his playing time has dropped since Jake Fraley took over in right field and Noelvi Marte began seeing outfield reps. Given his talent and potential, Benson might bring back a solid return if the Reds choose to move him.
As the trade deadline approaches, Cincinnati could walk a fine line—adding help to push for October while quietly offloading players whose roles have diminishd
