It’s no shock that the Cincinnati Reds are looking to bolster their lineup. According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, the Reds recently explored a potential deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks for National League RBI leader Eugenio Suárez, which would mark a reunion with the former Cincinnati third baseman. Ken Rosenthal, also of The Athletic, added that the Reds are aiming to add a power bat for the middle of the lineup and some bullpen reinforcements.
Heading into tonight’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati trailed the division lead by 7.5 games but sat just one game behind the final National League wild card spot. The team’s pitching has been solid — their 116 ERA+ ranks second in the league behind only the Phillies — but their offense has lagged, with a 94 OPS+ that ranks just above the Pirates, Rockies, and Padres.
Clearly, the Reds’ top priority is finding a bat to anchor the heart of their lineup. While Suárez is the most prominent power hitter reportedly available, there are other impact bats out there as well.
Cincinnati has a deep farm system and the resources to make a significant trade — if they’re willing to part with top-tier talent. In recent years, few teams have been eager to trade away elite prospects, with no Top 100 prospect moved at last year’s deadline. That trend suggests that a team willing to deal a top prospect could land nearly any player available.
Although catching the division leader is a long shot, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. More realistically, the wild card is well within reach. With the opportunity to improve both the roster and their position in the standings, the Reds are in a strong position to make a meaningful move.
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