PHILADELPHIA -- In less than a month, the July 31 Trade Deadline will be here. With the Reds in the midst of some momentum and currently contending for a National League postseason spot, it's looking less likely that they will be in selling mode. But the team's performance over the next 25 days will ultimately dictate how the club responds. “You’d always like to buy, no matter where you are. That’s the goal," president of baseball operations Nick Krall said. "Let’s see how we play over the next couple of weeks and where we are.” Cincinnati (46-43) is currently in fourth place in the NL Central and seven games behind the first-place Cubs entering Sunday. But the Reds are only 1 1/2 games back in the race for the third and final NL Wild Card spot. |
Bogged down with injuries throughout the early months of the season, the Reds are getting their health back at the right time. Left fielder Austin Hays returned on June 27 from his third stint on the injured list. Third baseman Noelvi Marte returned Friday after missing 52 games with a left oblique strain. And reliever Graham Ashcraft also returned Friday from a right groin strain. Right fielder Jake Fraley could be back soon from a right shoulder injury. From the rotation, Hunter Greene could begin a rehab assignment as soon as Tuesday with Triple-A Louisville. Carson Spiers is already on a rehab assignment as well. “It’s been really good to get our own players back and let’s see where we’re at once those guys are back and where we go," Krall said. Meanwhile, the Reds are 16-10 since June 5 and have won series against top teams such as the Yankees, Tigers and Padres. |
Will those kinds of results spur additional help? “It’s depending on who is playing well and not playing well, who is injured or not injured, where you are record-wise," Krall said "You’re always evaluating where you are and what you have.” The Reds have already shown an aggressive mentality towards their roster as the season has moved along. They traded underperforming former All-Star reliever Alexis Díaz to the Dodgers in May and released corner infielder Jeimer Candelario despite owing around $22.5 million on the remaining two seasons of his three-year, $45 million contract. And despite having only 13 pro starts, Cincinnati promoted its No. 1 prospect and 2024's second overall Draft pick, starting pitcher Chase Burns. The Reds' bullpen ranks around the middle in the Majors in ERA and innings pitched. Their right fielders are near the bottom in OPS. Those could be two areas that make sense for the club to address around the Trade Deadline. |
With the current playoff system, more than 20 teams have legitimate playoff hopes. That means fewer selling clubs looking for prospects. “There’s a lot of teams in it right now. There are a lot of teams trying to figure out where they are," Krall said. "I think you’re just trying to feel your way through it right now, and having conversations with other teams.” Reds manager Terry Francona, who is in his first season with Cincinnati, has been through a lot of Trade Deadlines during his career. "I haven't been through it here yet, but I see the communication we have every day," Francona said. "I know they're trying to always help us. I get that and love that and respect it. I don't think I ever need to sit here and say, 'We need this or we need that,' because that directly says that somebody out there [isn't performing.] "When you get to the Deadline, things happen. That's a month away. A lot can happen in a month so that's why [it's] let's just try to win today. That's a way easier way to go about it." |
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MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
For the first time since May 14 -- the day after he was banged up in an outfield collision with shortstop Elly De La Cruz against the White Sox -- Reds center fielder TJ Friedl wasn’t in the lineup Saturday against the Phillies. It wasn't injury related, but moreso taking into account that Friedl had played in 84 of Cincinnati's 88 games this season prior to Saturday. He did, however, pinch-hit for Rece Hinds in the sixth inning. “I just don’t want to wear him out," Francona said. "He by no means was asking out. He leads off, plays center, bangs into walls. I just want to try to take care of him a little bit.” In Friday's 9-6 win over Philadelphia, it was Friedl's leadoff bunt single towards first base that sparked a five-run rally. He is the club's best bunter with seven hits and one RBI. “I almost wish he could do it more," Francona said. "When he doesn’t try to rush, he’s so good. When he gets it where he wants to, it’s really hard to defend.” |
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THE BROOM STAYS IN THE CLOSET |
The Reds have not been swept in any of their first 29 series this season, including this weekend in Philadelphia. It's their longest streak of not being swept to open a season since 1989, when the streak was snapped against the Phillies from July 17-19. Cincinnati remains the only club that has yet to be swept in a series in 2025. |
The MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway is next month, on Aug. 2. To learn more about tickets and the event, click here. |
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