The Cincinnati Reds just completed a weekend sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays, but one of Kevin Cash’s players might soon be heading back to Cincinnati — in a different uniform. During ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball broadcast of the Mets vs. Giants game, MLB insider Buster Olney linked Yandy Díaz, the Rays’ first baseman, to the Reds as a potential trade target.
As the broadcast team discussed the Kansas City Royals’ contract extension with pitcher Seth Lugo and shifted into MLB trade deadline chatter, Olney, along with Karl Ravech, David Cone, and Eduardo Perez, labeled the Reds as definite buyers. Olney then dropped a noteworthy detail: with Tampa Bay possibly leaning toward selling after losing three in a row to the Reds, Díaz could be on the move — and Cincinnati or Boston could be top landing spots.
Given the Rays and Red Sox are division rivals in the AL East, Tampa Bay might be more inclined to negotiate with a National League team like Cincinnati rather than help a direct competitor.
ESPN Drops Hint: Reds Eyeing Rays Slugger Yandy Díaz
While Eugenio Suárez has been frequently rumored as a Reds target, Yandy Díaz may be a stronger fit. He’s under a very manageable contract — $10 million this year, $12 million in 2026, with a club option for 2027 — making him a smart long-term asset. Díaz has delivered consistently at the plate, slashing .286/.345/.475 this season with 18 home runs, 61 RBIs, and a 126 wRC+. Since 2021, he’s maintained an impressive .290/.371/.444 average.
Some fans might question the fit with Spencer Steer already holding down first base with elite defense, but Steer’s current quad injury and subpar offensive numbers (.244/.304/.387) open the door for Díaz, either at first or as a designated hitter. With versatile infielders like Steer, Gavin Lux, and Noelvi Marte, there’s room to rotate players.
The real uncertainty lies with the Rays’ strategy at the deadline. Currently trailing both Texas and Seattle by three games in the AL Wild Card race, Tampa Bay may look to retool. Meanwhile, Cincinnati is only one game behind San Diego for the final NL playoff spot.
With less than four days before the July 31 trade deadline, Reds President Nick Krall and his team are under pressure to reinforce the roster. A trade for Yandy Díaz — possibly paired with a bullpen arm — could be exactly the jolt Terry Francona needs to push Cincinnati into the postseason.