Nick Kirby and Craig Sandlin discuss the report that Jim Bowden of The Athletic listed Spencer Steer as the best trade fit for the Toronto Blue Jays:
Bowden said “He’s still only 28 but is arbitration eligible for the first time this offseason, which is why the Reds could move on from him.”
Bowden also said “The Reds need another impact bat, preferably in the outfield, but the way they’re playing right now, they’re much better off being sellers.”
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Trade Deadline: What the Reds Should Do Before the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline
The Cincinnati Reds enter the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline at a crossroads. With the deadline quickly approaching, the front office must decide whether to make one final push toward contention or begin reshaping the roster for the future. After an encouraging start to the season, Cincinnati has struggled to keep pace in the National League playoff race, making the next few weeks some of the most important in recent franchise history.
The Reds have already shown they possess a strong young core capable of competing for years to come. Players like Elly De La Cruz, Chase Burns, Sal Stewart, Andrew Abbott, and Hunter Greene give Cincinnati a foundation that many organizations would envy. However, the supporting cast has not consistently produced enough to keep the team in the postseason picture, leading to growing speculation that the Reds could be among the more active sellers before the trade deadline.
One of the biggest storylines revolves around Cincinnati’s impending free agents. Tyler Stephenson, Brady Singer, Nathaniel Lowe, Brock Burke, and Caleb Ferguson are all players who could attract interest from contenders looking to strengthen their roster for October. If the Reds determine they are unlikely to make a playoff run, moving those players for younger talent could prove to be the smartest long-term decision.
Stephenson would likely generate one of the strongest markets. Catching is one of the most difficult positions to fill across Major League Baseball, and a proven veteran with postseason-caliber experience could become a valuable addition for multiple contenders. Likewise, Singer has demonstrated the ability to provide reliable innings in a playoff rotation, while Lowe offers left-handed power and solid defense at first base.
Beyond the obvious expiring contracts, the Reds also have several veterans under contract beyond this season who could become trade candidates. Emilio Pagán and Pierce Johnson are experienced relievers who may interest teams looking to bolster their bullpen for the stretch run. Relief pitching is always in high demand at the deadline, and Cincinnati could capitalize by moving veteran arms while their value remains high.
There are also more difficult decisions involving players under team control. Spencer Steer, Nick Lodolo, TJ Friedl, Andrew Abbott, and Sam Moll have all surfaced in trade speculation to varying degrees. While none of those players need to be moved, Cincinnati should at least be willing to listen if another organization presents a significant offer.
Steer, in particular, could command tremendous interest because of his versatility and offensive upside. Lodolo remains one of the more talented left-handed starters in baseball when healthy, making him attractive despite previous injury concerns. Abbott has continued to establish himself as one of the Reds’ most dependable starters, meaning it would likely take an overwhelming package for Cincinnati to even consider moving him.
The biggest challenge for the Reds front office will be determining whether short-term improvement is worth sacrificing future flexibility. Cincinnati has repeatedly found itself hovering around playoff contention without taking the next step. Simply standing pat risks repeating that cycle, while aggressively selling could create additional opportunities to build a deeper and more sustainable contender.
If the Reds choose to sell, the focus should be on acquiring high-upside talent rather than simply adding organizational depth. Young starting pitching, athletic position players, and upper-level prospects should all be priorities. The organization already has exciting pieces throughout its farm system, and another productive trade deadline could further strengthen one of baseball’s better young cores.
No matter which direction Cincinnati ultimately chooses, this trade deadline could define the organization’s trajectory for several seasons. Smart asset management will be critical, especially with several veterans approaching free agency and a talented young nucleus already in place.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the Reds believe they can still chase a postseason berth in 2026 or whether they will instead prioritize building a roster capable of competing consistently for championships in the years ahead. Either way, the decisions made before the MLB Trade Deadline will have a lasting impact on the future of the Cincinnati Reds.
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