MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Reds should make

How much can the Reds sell off this summer to build for the future?

There is no way around it. The 2016 season in Cincinnati is a dumpster fire. They sit a game above the Atlanta Braves for the second worst record in the National League and are a half game above the Minnesota Twins to have the third worst record in the MLB.

They rank last in the MLB in ERA, and total bases allowed. It is tough to tell whether it is the bullpen or the rotation that is to blame, as both spots have been suspect. They also rank in the bottom ten of almost any hitting category in the league.  

This is a team far away from competing, and therefore they are the perfect sellers. They have names with some value to them, but in some cases have baggage. Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips have no trade clauses, so the place that they go will have to matter, as well as the return they get for them. It will be interesting to see how much they will be able to sell off.

They should really try to push for the trades no matter what. They have a decent farm system and to add to it while setting up for a break out around 2018 is probably a good idea. The Reds have some young players already playing and can find more time in 2016 by making some moves as well.

With that said, here are the five trades the Cincinnati Reds should make

Next: 5. Joey Votto to Blue Jays