The St. Louis Cardinals demoralizingly swept the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend. In each of the series’ three games, they led by at least two runs.
The Reds’ current situation appears dire with Elly De La Cruz sidelined. Here are three players the Reds should consider dealing if they are eliminated from contention, even if the trade deadline is still more than a month away.
Tyler Stephenson
Tyler Stephenson would have probably already been extended if the Reds had decided to do so. The Reds should definitely trade him if they are out of contention at the deadline because he is in the final year of his contract.
Despite his offensive struggles this season, Stephenson has been among the best offensive catchers in the game throughout his career. He has also excelled at ABS Challenges. In terms of ABS Challenges overturned, he is ranked second in Major League Baseball.
The Reds should take advantage of the fact that many clubs will be trying to improve their offensive at the catching position by the deadline.
Nathaniel Lowe
Nathaniel Lowe signed a minor league contract with the Reds during the offseason, and it appears to be a great deal.
With 18 extra-base hits and a slash line of.250/.327/.507, Lowe has been outstanding for the Reds this season. Similar to Stephenson, teams are often searching for offense around the trade deadline, and Lowe is an above-average hitter. The Reds would be wise to take advantage of Lowe’s worth and acquire some assets in exchange because it doesn’t seem like an extension is in the cards for him.
Brady Singer
Teams always need starting pitchers, so stop laughing. The Reds signed Chris Paddack, who had an ERA of more than seven, just one month ago because they were in dire need of a starter.
The Reds acquired youngster Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis in exchange for Frankie Montas a few seasons ago. At the time of the deal, Montas’ ERA was higher than five. Like Lowe and Stephenson, Singer’s contract is about to expire, and teams are always in dire need of starting pitchers around the deadline.
The Reds should take the risk of acquiring a prospect or two rather than lose him for nothing, even though they might not be able to acquire much for him.
Eugenio Suarez
When the Reds signed Eugenio Suarez to a $15 million, one-year contract during the winter, fans were ecstatic. But he’s been a huge letdown so far. Suarez has nine extra-base hits, including just four home runs, and is slashing.209/.287/.336 in 38 games this season.
It is rather disappointing that Suarez has only four home runs through 38 games after a season in which he hit 49.
Will Suarez receive a haul in exchange? Probably not. Some teams, nevertheless, are willing to take a gamble on a player with that level of strength. Suarez has always been a volatile player who can lead a squad for a few weeks if he gets hot.
The Reds might find themselves back in the postseason race and unable to sell if they catch fire over the course of the next month. However, the current situation is significantly less promising, and the front office should be ready to add prospects who can assist boost the organization’s future while also leveraging the value of some veterans.
