LIVE from the MLB All-Star Festivities in Atlanta: Trade Talk, All-Star Snubs, and Inside Scoop
Fresh off a sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays and climbing to six games above .500 for the first time this season, the Cincinnati Reds are officially in buyer mode ahead of the MLB trade deadline. With just days left until the July 31 cutoff, President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall and GM Brad Meador are expected to be active in boosting the roster.
While Cincinnati is unlikely to deal current active roster players, some fringe names on the 40-man roster could be on the move. More likely, though, is that the Reds will trade from their deep farm system in hopes of making their first full-season playoff appearance since 2013.
So who could be on the chopping block? Here are four prospects who might be dealt before the deadline:
1. Sammy Stafura (Infielder):
Stafura, a former second-round pick and one of the Reds’ top-10 prospects, has shifted from shortstop to second base following Tyson Lewis’ promotion. As a versatile young infielder with upside, he could appeal to rebuilding teams.
2. Adam Serwinowski (LHP):
Though Serwinowski has struggled this season, his long-term potential keeps him on teams’ radars. Now ranked in the Reds’ top 20, the 21-year-old lefty could attract interest from clubs looking to develop young arms.
3. Edwin Arroyo (Shortstop):
Finally healthy after missing last season with shoulder surgery, Arroyo is starting to flash his talent. However, with superstar Elly De La Cruz firmly entrenched at shortstop in Cincinnati, Arroyo may have more value to other teams than he does to the Reds right now.
4. Zach Maxwell (RHP):
Known for his high-velocity fastball, Maxwell was once a popular candidate to make the Reds’ Opening Day roster. But inconsistency and control issues have kept him in Triple-A. Though some see him as a potential future closer, his erratic command could make him expendable in the eyes of the Reds’ coaching staff.
As the deadline draws closer, the Reds appear ready to cash in some of their prospect depth to chase October baseball.