As the MLB trade deadline nears, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves in an advantageous position—poised to strike if the Los Angeles Angels opt to sell. With the Angels teetering below the .500 mark and occupying fourth place in the AL West, there’s growing speculation that they could initiate a full-scale rebuild. Should that happen, the Reds could become major beneficiaries.
Angels’ Uncertain Future Could Be Reds’ Golden Opportunity
The Angels are stuck in a no-man’s land—not quite contending, not quite tanking—which makes them a prime candidate for a deadline fire sale. And if that reset button is finally pushed, Cincinnati should waste no time targeting two names who could make an immediate difference: outfielder Taylor Ward and left-handed reliever Reid Detmers.
These two players are not being discussed in blockbuster terms, but they bring value and versatility in areas the Reds need help the most—power hitting in the outfield and consistency from the bullpen.
Taylor Ward: Quietly Crushing It
At first glance, Taylor Ward’s .231 batting average doesn’t raise eyebrows. But dig deeper, and his impact is undeniable. With 23 home runs, 76 RBIs, and a .793 OPS in 381 at-bats, Ward is providing serious run production. His OPS+ of 115 confirms he’s performing well above league average, and his ability to deliver in high-leverage situations makes him an ideal mid-season acquisition.
Back in May, Ward showcased his elite potential, hitting .407 with a 1.382 OPS during a scorching stretch that earned him AL Player of the Week honors. The underlying metrics back it all up:
.337 wOBA
.336 xwOBA
14% barrel rate
90.3 mph average exit velocity
All of these indicate that his production is legitimate, not luck-driven.
Ward also offers defensive reliability and can slot into multiple outfield positions, giving Cincinnati lineup flexibility heading into a tightly contested Wild Card race.
Reid Detmers: Reborn as a Bullpen Weapon
Former first-round pick Reid Detmers has made a successful transition from starter to reliever in 2025, and the results have been promising. Over 42 bullpen appearances, Detmers has thrown 45⅓ innings, racked up 55 strikeouts, and posted a 4.17 ERA.
But the more telling stat? His 3.24 FIP suggests he’s been a victim of poor defense or bad luck—meaning his true performance level is even better than his ERA suggests. With a 28.5% strikeout rate and a 10.9 K/9, he’s proving himself as a high-leverage reliever who could thrive in the back half of the Reds’ bullpen.
Even more appealing? He’s under team control for three more seasons, making him more than just a rental piece.
St. Louis Already in the Mix—Reds Must Act Fast
The Reds aren’t the only team circling. Reports indicate the St. Louis Cardinals and other playoff hopefuls have already checked in on Detmers, recognizing his upside and affordability. If Cincinnati wants to avoid a bidding war or missing out altogether, they’ll need to act swiftly and decisively.
Unlike blockbuster trade targets that come with hefty prospect costs, Ward and Detmers are expected to be more affordable—especially if the Angels are truly committed to resetting their roster.
The Verdict: A Smart, Impactful Move Waiting to Happen
Cincinnati is in the thick of the Wild Card chase, and they don’t need to mortgage their future to improve in the present. If the Angels go into full sell mode, the Reds could walk away with two impactful pieces without giving up a king’s ransom.
Taylor Ward brings power and poise to the lineup. Reid Detmers adds strikeouts and reliability to the bullpen. Together, they could help stabilize key areas and give the Reds the extra edge needed for a serious postseason push.
The opportunity is there. Now it’s up to the Reds’ front office to grab it.
