Fansided

Power Ranking each MLB team in aftermath of Trade Deadline

By Kyle Franzoni

Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 7, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) pitches during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) pitches during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

23: Cincinnati Reds

ACQUIRED: LHP Brandon Finnegan (from Royals), RHP Keury Mella (from Giants), LHP John Lamb (from Royals), LHP Cody Reed (from Royals), 1B Adam Duvall (from Giants)

TRADED: RHP Johnny Cueto (to Royals), RHP Mike Leake (to Giants)

The Cincinnati Reds arguably had the best pitching to spare at the deadline, but their moves (or non-moves) earn them a 50/50 rating at the deadline.

Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake were two major piece to move at the deadline and the Royals arguably got very good returns for them, landing Keury Mella, Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb, Cody Reed, and Adam Duvall. Mella immediately became the #5 prospect in the Reds system, Reed becomes #9, Lamb is #21, and Duvall falls just outside the top 30.

However, the team also explored other moves involving closer Aroldis Chapman and left-fielder Jay Bruce. In fact, Bruce was almost flipped to the New York Mets for Zack Wheeler (a second trade), but the team got cold feet about the return. Meanwhile, no one was able to present the Reds with a viable offer for Chapman, who arguably created the most buzz leading into the deadline.

As a team needing a big make-over, the Reds could have gone all-in and found the pieces they needed for a rebuild by flipping both. However, Cincinnati can still explore some deals this winter for both. With both being free agents after 2016, there is still time to maximize return and inject even more youth into their system.

Next: 22: Atlanta Braves

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