CINCINNATI (WXIX) – The Cincinnati Reds stayed true to their identity, pulling off a gutsy deadline trade to reinforce their defensive core by acquiring a premier glove at third base from the Pittsburgh Pirates. In exchange, they sent away promising Low-A prospect Sammy Stafura and veteran reliever Taylor Rogers.
This deal signals a continuation of the Reds’ organizational transformation under President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall, who took the reins five years ago following a disappointing playoff run by a slugger-heavy Reds lineup that failed to score a single postseason run.
Since then, the Reds have overhauled their strategy, shifting focus from pure power to a more well-rounded game centered on defense, athleticism, speed, and positional flexibility. It’s why their roster is flush with shortstops and why they’ve now added a player regarded as one of the top defensive third basemen in all of baseball, despite offensive struggles in recent years.
“This is about preventing runs just as much as scoring them,” Krall said, referencing a recent loss to the Dodgers that was influenced by defensive lapses.
While the acquisition isn’t flashy — the incoming third baseman has posted the lowest OPS in baseball among regulars over the past two seasons — the Reds believe his elite glove and long-term control (through 2030 on an eight-year, $70M deal) outweigh the offensive risk.
Manager Terry Francona echoed that sentiment. “He may be the best defender in the game,” Francona said. “It’s not the kind of move that grabs headlines, but it’s exactly the kind of move that helps us play clean, winning baseball.”
The deal reflects how the Reds have built a foundation around traits that often go overlooked: quality at-bats, versatility, and elite glove work. It’s the same blueprint that brought in players like Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte (now transitioning to right field), and Edwin Arroyo. Now, their infield could rival any in baseball defensively, with Steer, McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and the newly acquired third baseman anchoring the dirt.
Offensively, there’s room for optimism despite the underwhelming numbers. Krall pointed to strong underlying metrics — hard-hit rate, swing decisions, and low chase rates — as reasons to believe the player can rebound at the plate. The Reds hope some adjustments to his swing path can reignite the bat that once flashed promise.
Still, the move isn’t without its challenges. Offloading Taylor Rogers, who was earning $6 million despite limited contributions, helped offset the $7 million owed to the new acquisition, highlighting the Reds’ tight financial leeway. The salary swap was essential to making the deal happen.
While it may not solve the team’s power issues or pitching depth, the move was received positively in the clubhouse. “It’s a big-time pickup,” said closer Emilio Pagán. “We got a guy who’s elite defensively and under control long-term. That’s the kind of move that builds a winning culture.”
Spencer Steer emphasized the importance of solid defense: “We win when we play clean baseball. We don’t always hit the ball out, but if we avoid mistakes, we’re tough to beat.”
With the infield seemingly locked in, and questions remaining about DH and outfield rotations, attention may now turn to pitching ahead of the deadline. The Reds are reportedly considering adding another versatile arm — a second Nick Martinez-type — or a reliable left-handed reliever to shore up the bullpen.
While it doesn’t completely plug all the team’s holes, the move signals a bold commitment to a sustainable, defense-first identity — a far cry from the Reds teams of just a few years ago.
As Pagán concluded, “They’re listening. They’re responding. This move shows they’re serious about building a team that can win now and into the future
