3 Sneaky Reds Targets for 2024 MLB Trade Deadline to Consider

The Cincinnati Reds enter the All-Star break having won five of their last seven games. That adds to a disappointing start to the year after a promising 2023. The National League Wild Card standings continue to be very deep, with the Reds dropping a wild-card game to Pittsburgh during that span, so they will need reinforcements at the trade deadline to get back into the playoffs. Looking at the injury-plagued roster, the outfield is a point of interest to upgrade the roster in the meantime. Could Luis Robert Jr. be the key to getting the Reds back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020? Or will a pitcher be on his way to the Queen City?

A big coup for the Reds

Cincinnati has struggled to keep its star players after their entry-level contracts, particularly Luis Castillo, Eugenio Suarez and others. Elly De La Cruz has five years of team control after this season, which gives the Reds a pretty clear window of competition. They can keep that window open by trading for Luis Robert Jr.

The White Sox center fielder has three years of control after this season, securing a top position and adding an above-average right-handed hitter to the middle of their lineup. Robert has been connected to big-market teams across the major leagues as the trade deadline approaches, particularly the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Reds would have to give up a few top prospects to make this deal with Chicago, given that they will likely receive multiple offers for their center fielder. Add to that their recent selection of right-handed pitcher Chase Burns at No. 2, and they are in position to trade their top prospect.

The Reds receive:DE Luis Robert Jr.

The White Sox receive:Rhett Lowder, right-handed pitcher (CIN #1, OVR #20), 3b Cam Collier (CIN #3, MLB #84), Connor Phillips, right-handed pitcher (CIN #5)

A global agreement with Oakland

The Athletics are an interesting team at this deadline because of their relief pitcher Mason Miller. The Reds likely won’t be in the running for him because of their dynamic duo of Fernando Cruz and Alexis Diaz in the bullpen. They’ll instead look to the starting rotation for a pitcher.

Baseball Reference rates Brent Rooker as the Athletics’ most valuable player this season with a 3.1 WAR. No Reds outfielder has posted a WAR that high this season. Rooker would be a valuable addition both in the field and as a designated hitter. He has three years of team control and would be a great addition to the Reds long-term. With Rece Hinds’ recent rise at the plate, Rooker could give him designated hitter days as a Wild Card contender.

On the mound, the Reds would benefit from adding Ross Stripling. He is currently on injured reserve with a sprained elbow but is expected to return after the All-Star break. He is a low-risk, high-reward addition for Cincinnati at the trade deadline, as he will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.

For the Athletics, they will look to have players they can develop in the minor leagues while the team waits for its new home in Las Vegas.

Reds receive: Designated outfielder/defender Brent Rooker and right-handed pitcher Ross Stripling

Athletes receive: 3b Cam Collier (CIN #3, MLB #84), RHP Chase Petty (CIN #6), RHP Ty Floyd (CIN #11).

Strengthen the starting rotation

When you think about the Reds and their current core, it’s almost exclusively offensive players. The pitchers could use another big arm to help attract the young up-and-comers, especially Hunter Greene. Frankie Montas has been a solid starter, but he’s not going to scare any team heading into the playoffs. The Reds can continue to look west and add Tyler Anderson from the Los Angeles Angels.

Anderson will be a free agent after the 2025 season, giving him a great opportunity to spend more than one year as a top-two starter on a playoff team. It will also help the Reds this offseason because Montas has an opt-out after the season. If they decide to part ways with Montas, they would have his replacement in Anderson. The left-handed pitcher is a great candidate to start playoff games or even come out of the bullpen in a long-term relief role in October.

The Reds receive:Left-handed Tyler Anderson

Angels receive:3B/2B Sal Stewart (CIN #4, OVR #99), right-handed pitcher Chase Petty (CIN #6)

The Reds appeared to be a team with no chance of making the playoffs at the start of the season, but a recent hot streak has them just 3 games out of the final National League Wild Card spot. The additions should be important for the Reds to make the playoffs this season.