As the 2025 MLB trade deadline looms, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves in a tricky spot. While many anticipate the Reds will look to add talent, there’s still a chance they pivot to selling—especially if their recent struggles continue.
Sitting near the .500 mark for much of the season, the Reds remain in the National League Wild Card race. However, with other contenders expected to make big moves, Cincinnati’s position could weaken quickly. If the Reds slip further behind in the standings, the front office may shift gears, putting some unexpected names on the trade block.
Here are three Reds who may not be as safe as they think:
1. Starting Pitcher
Despite being a potential trade chip, this veteran right-hander might seem vital with Hunter Greene on the IL and another starter on a pitch count. However, if the Reds receive an irresistible offer, he could find himself in a new uniform soon—especially if Cincinnati’s playoff hopes fade.
2. Relief Pitcher
Currently anchoring the back end of the bullpen, this reliever is in the final year of his contract. With several younger arms waiting in the wings, the Reds could part ways with him to build for the future. His departure would likely signal a shift toward planning for 2026.
3. Catcher
Once a central piece of the Reds’ long-term plans, this backstop is nearing the end of his arbitration years, and long-term extension talks haven’t materialized. With a promising prospect rising and a solid veteran already on the roster, the Reds could move him now if they opt to retool rather than reload.
If the team slips more than five games out of Wild Card contention before July 31, fans should brace for some unexpected trades.
ChatGPT said:
Reds Could Make Surprising Moves as 2025 Trade Deadline Nears: Three Veterans No Longer Safe
With the MLB trade deadline just around the corner, the Cincinnati Reds are standing at a critical crossroads. While many assumed the Reds would be buyers this summer, their inconsistent season and hovering .500 record have left the front office in a state of uncertainty. Despite still being in the NL Wild Card conversation, stronger teams ahead of them in the standings are gearing up for aggressive pushes—potentially pushing Cincinnati out of contention if things don’t turn quickly.
If the Reds can’t string together wins in the coming days, the organization may pivot from adding to subtracting. That shift could put a handful of key veterans—who likely believe they’re safe—in unexpected trade conversations.
Here are three Reds whose spots on the roster may be less secure than they seem:
1. Veteran Starting Pitcher
He’s been reliable throughout the season and has been mentioned in several trade rumors. With Hunter Greene still on the injured list and young phenom Chase Burns on an innings restriction, dealing this starter would appear risky. Still, if the right offer comes along, the Reds may be tempted to move him—especially if they fall more than five games out of a playoff spot.
2. Closer on an Expiring Deal
This bullpen mainstay is in the final year of his two-year contract and has been effective as Cincinnati’s closer. However, the Reds have a crop of talented relievers like Zach Maxwell, Tony Santillan, and Graham Ashcraft waiting for a bigger role. Trading their current closer would all but confirm the Reds are punting on 2025 in favor of future assets. Given the demand for experienced bullpen arms at the deadline, he could fetch a solid return.
3. Catcher with Unsettled Future
Long viewed as a core piece of Cincinnati’s future, this backstop enters 2026 in his final arbitration year. The Reds have so far failed to secure him on a long-term deal, and with top catching prospect Alfredo Duno on the rise and veteran Jose Trevino already under contract, the front office may decide to part ways while his value remains high. His bat would be an upgrade for many catcher-needy teams across the league.
If Cincinnati remains on the fringe of playoff contention, President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall could face pressure to balance the present with the future. And if the team slides even slightly further in the standings, Reds fans may see some surprisingly familiar faces dealt away before the July 31 deadline.
In short: no one should feel completely safe.
