Fansided

MLB Trade Rumors: 10 underrated trade targets

By Joshua Sadlock

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 29: Andrew Cashner #54 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 29: Andrew Cashner #54 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 10
Next
CINCINNATI, OH – APRIL 23: Robert Stephenson #55 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park on April 23, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds defeated the Braves 7-6. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – APRIL 23: Robert Stephenson #55 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park on April 23, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds defeated the Braves 7-6. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

8. Robert Stephenson

Buoyed by a pitching staff that is surprisingly second-best in the National League, the Cincinnati Reds have been hanging around .500 all season. While still not ready to contend, the Reds have been much more competitive this year and are closer to coming out of their rebuild. A decision to invest in veterans to fill out the edges of the roster has paid big dividends for Cincinnati.

Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark and Yasiel Puig all stand out as good trade chips if the Reds are looking to cash out this season and grab a few more younger prospects for their real return to contention. With Gray and Puig still under 30 and playing closer to their All-Star form than expected, the Reds may look to make both a part of a longer-term vision. Despite the fact that they are not on pace to lose more than 90 games for the first time since 2014, Cincy’s front office should still be looking to sell strategically at the deadline this year.

The Reds have a few intriguing names in their bullpen, in addition to closer Raisel Iglesias. One player to watch as the trade deadline approaches is 26-year-old right-hander Robert Stephenson. A failed starter who had experienced very little success in the big leagues until this season, Stephenson has found his niche in the bullpen. He has a 3.90 ERA this season in 32.1 innings, but has struck out 44.

Stephenson is a former first-round pick for the Reds, but he is unlikely to live up to that status as a reliever. His control issues held him back as a starter, but he is having more success throwing in short bursts. The Reds don’t have to be in a rush to make a trade, but Stephenson would draw solid interest if they shopped him.

Home/MLB