The Cincinnati Reds have plenty of problems—but none more glaring than their lackluster offense. As the trade deadline looms, one thing has become abundantly clear: Cincinnati needs another bat, and fast. Ideally, that reinforcement comes in the form of a right-handed corner outfielder who can bring consistent power to the lineup. The Reds’ offense has sputtered throughout the summer, and if they don’t address it soon, their postseason hopes may vanish before September arrives.
The corner outfield situation has been a revolving door of underwhelming production. While Austin Hays has been solid when healthy, three stints on the injured list have limited him to just 44 games. Jake Fraley, fresh off a shoulder injury, leads the team in right field plate appearances with a modest 140—hardly a model of stability. Across both left and right field, the Reds have tried a combined 18 different players. That’s not depth; that’s desperation. Gavin Lux, the ultimate utility man, has logged time in left but offers more versatility than pop. Both he and Fraley are barely league-average offensively, with neither slugging over .400 or showing the ability to handle left-handed pitching.
What the Reds desperately need is a power-hitting right-handed bat who can anchor one of the corner outfield spots—and preferably someone who isn’t a rental. While the team is treading water as fringe contenders in 2025, their rotation has the makings of something special in 2026. Adding a controllable, impact bat would not only address a gaping hole but also set them up for sustained success. The front office has been quiet so far, but the clock is ticking.
If the Reds want to stop the bleeding and give their electric young core—including Elly De La Cruz—a fighting chance, the solution is simple: bring in a bat that can do damage. The pitching is there. The defense is holding. Now, it’s time to bring some boom back to the Queen City. Will Cincinnati pull the trigger before it’s too late? Fans and rivals alike are watching—and waiting.