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As the 6 p.m. MLB trade deadline looms, the Cincinnati Reds are expected to make a series of moves, having held off until the last 24 hours to part with veterans from their last-place roster. With seven players set to become free agents and at least two others under club control attracting attention, a wave of transactions appears imminent.
Here is a breakdown of the Reds' most likely trade candidates heading into the final stretch:
Catcher Tyler Stephenson
Stephenson, the longest-tenured Red, hit a home run on Sunday in what he believed would be his final at-bat with the organization after 11 years. He expressed deep emotion afterward. His trade value has surged recently, with a .348 batting average (39-for-112), five home runs, 10 doubles, 13 walks, 15 RBIs, and a .992 OPS over his last 35 games.
Right-Handed Starter Brady Singer
Singer's overall numbers (5-10, 4.35 ERA) and the $4 million remaining on his contract don't reflect his improved performance since overcoming early-season blister and foot issues. He has posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.182 WHIP over his last 10 starts.
Right-Handed Starter Hunter Greene
Greene, a 2024 All-Star, is attracting interest from teams that missed out on top pitchers Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta. His remaining contract provides cost certainty: $15 million in 2027, $16 million in 2028, and a $21 million club option for 2029. He has been inconsistent in five starts since returning from elbow surgery but still shows his signature swing-and-miss stuff.
Left-Handed Reliever Brock Burke
Burke has been a reliable arm for the Reds, leading the league with 56 appearances and delivering his best performance in four years with a 2.52 ERA. His postseason experience from the Rangers' 2023 World Series run adds to his value.
Left-Handed Pitcher Caleb Ferguson
Ferguson, who missed nearly two months with a right oblique injury, has a 4.01 ERA in 26 games. He had a 1.76 ERA entering July but has struggled recently. A trade would mark his third consecutive deadline deal.
Third Baseman/DH Eugenio Suarez
Suarez, who hit 49 home runs last year, was traded at the 2025 deadline and helped Seattle reach the AL Championship Series. He has 14 homers and 39 RBIs this year but missed a month with a left oblique injury. The $5 million left on his one-year deal complicates a trade.
First Baseman/DH Nathaniel Lowe
Lowe has been a versatile and productive platoon player, with 12 home runs, 35 RBIs, and a .799 OPS. He has excelled against right-handed pitching and may have the most raw power on the team.
Right-Handed Pitcher Pierce Johnson
Johnson, a veteran in the rebuilt bullpen, has a 4.96 ERA in 37 games after missing a month with right-elbow inflammation. He has been healthy since and has a .150 ERA in 12 career postseason appearances.
Outfielder JJ Bleday
Bleday, with two years of club control left, has 19 homers and 46 RBIs, despite starting the season in Triple-A. His price may be high because manager Terry Francona is fond of him, and he could start next season in Cincinnati rather than be traded now.
This report is based on information from the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Originally reported by yahoo.