MLB Rumors: Dylan Cease buzz, Braves-Cardinals trade, Reds snoozing

MLB Rumors: Cincinnati Reds could make zero trades

The Cincinnati Reds rebounded from a slow start to the season with a dominant month leading up to the All-Star break. Now, Cincy is keeping the momentum going. The Reds are nine games above .500 and a half-game ahead of the Brewers for first place in the NL Central. Naturally, as the trade deadline approaches, there has been rampant speculation about the Reds making win-now moves.

Alas, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, the Reds’ trade deadline is shaping up to be one big nothingburger. GM Nick Krall does not want to risk the club’s future for short-term gains. Cincinnati has a glaring need in the bullpen, but the Reds aren’t going to clean out the farm system unless a quality pitcher with multiple years of team control becomes available.

This is probably the correct strategy from Cincinnati. The Reds have built the foundation of a sustainable winner. With a slew of young players like Elly De La Cruz leading the charge, Cincy could be hanging around the contenders circle for years to come. Why short-circuit the team’s ability to develop over time with a shortsighted move?

Plain and simple, the Reds aren’t ready to compete right this second. A postseason spot is within reach, of course, but the Reds won’t be toppling the Braves or Dodgers to win the National League. Those aspirations are better placed a few years down the road. Cincinnati should save its trade ammo for the right player at the right moment, which is unlikely to arise between now and the final buzzer on Aug. 1.