The Cincinnati Reds are still firmly in the National League playoff race, but it’s clear they’ll need to make some key additions at the MLB trade deadline to truly contend under manager Terry Francona.
The challenge, however, is whether the Reds can strengthen the roster without jeopardizing their long-term plans. Every team is searching for value at this point in the season, but meaningful upgrades often come at a cost. That means the Reds might have to part ways with some current major league talent to get what they need.
“With a few overlapping roles on the roster and several players nearing free agency, Cincinnati has confirmed it will trade some of its assets. The Reds have decided to move these five players before the July 31 deadline, they may be able to boost their postseason chances without undermining the team’s future.
5. Emilio Pagán, Reds Pitcher
Relief pitchers are always a hot commodity at the trade deadline, and while some Reds fans may oppose the idea of dealing their closer during a playoff push, Pagán is set to become a free agent after the season. If Cincinnati can trade him for a solid bat, they have internal bullpen options who could step into the closer role. Zach Maxwell and Luis Mey are in Triple-A and could be called up, while Tony Santillan has shown he can handle high-leverage situations.
4. Spencer Steer, Reds Infielder/Outfielder
Trading Steer might not be a popular move among fans, and right now his numbers wouldn’t bring back much in a deal. But if he gets hot before the deadline, his value could rise. With Christian Encarnacion-Strand already in the big leagues and top prospects like Cam Collier and Sal Stewart waiting in the wings, it’s unclear how Steer fits into the Reds’ long-term plans—making him a potential trade candidate.
3. Jake Fraley, Reds Outfielder
Cincinnati has an outfield surplus, especially with players like Fraley and Will Benson, who both hit well against right-handed pitching but struggle against lefties. Carrying two similar platoon bats creates a roster crunch. While the Reds could consider moving either, Fraley—who’s set to hit free agency after next season—might be the more logical trade piece for a team seeking a left-handed bat.
2. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Reds infielder
Christian Encarnacion-Strand, for similar reasons to Steer, could be made available at the MLB trade deadline. The slugger has shown glimpses of potential and possesses light-tower power, but his strikeout rate is quite high. Under no circumstances should the Reds deal Encarnacion-Strand or Steer, but if any of those two players can return a viable, long-term option for the Reds’ outfield, Nick Krall should listen. Fans would not like to hear this, but Jeimer Candelario will remain on the squad next season, and it is difficult to imagine all three on the same roster in 2026.
1. Nick Martinez, Reds pitcher
Nick Martinez should be a player that Cincinnati’s front office looks into whether they’re in contention or out of the playoffs entirely. Starting pitching may command a premium before the deadline, and if the Reds’ rotation is completely functional, Martinez becomes expendable. They cannot extend the qualifying offer for two years in a row, therefore Martinez is certain to go in free agency. The Reds may want to see what they can get for him, and selling him would free up a position in the starting rotation for Chase Burns.
