The Cincinnati Reds made a strong showing in the latter half of the 2025 season, securing a postseason berth for the first time in five years. As the 2026 season began, fans were eager for the team to match or surpass that success.
However, by mid-2026, those expectations have diminished significantly. The Reds are currently positioned at the bottom of the NL Central with a 43-52 record.
This has led to speculation that the organization will engage in significant trading at the deadline. On a recent episode of “GM Territory,” Jim Bowden from The Athletic discussed which players might bring the most trade value to the Reds.
•
Bowden pointed to Spencer Steer as a valuable trade asset. Steer, who extended his contract with Cincinnati for one year at $4 million before the 2026 season, might attract interest from teams like the Toronto Blue Jays or the Cleveland Guardians.
“Spencer Steer (has the most trade value), for sure,” Bowden said (Timestamp: 6:03). “He’s got 14 or 15 home runs, he’s got the power, he’s got positional flexibility. He can play first, third, left. I think that helps.
“There’s a lot of teams that are out there looking for right-handed hitters and looking for power. I think he would fit nicely for a team like the Toronto Blue Jays, I feel like that’s a really good spot for him. I think the Cleveland Guardians would be a good spot.”
“None of these names move the needle” – MLB insider assesses other potential Cincinnati Reds trade candidates
Besides Spencer Steer, Jim Bowden mentioned a few other players who might be in demand at the trade deadline.
“None of these names really move the needle,” Bowden said (Timestamp: 6:26). “Eugenio Suarez has not lived up to the expectations when they signed him.
“Brady Singer’s a more back of the rotation starter. I do like (Tyler) Stephenson. If someone’s looking for a backup catcher, perhaps there’s a fit there, with the New York Yankees as a possibility.”
In the 2026 season, Eugenio Suarez holds a .208 batting average with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. Tyler Stephenson’s batting average stands at .238, with six home runs and 24 RBIs. Brady Singer, who was mentioned as a potential trade candidate, has a 3-9 record with a 4.72 ERA.
Edited by Raghav Mehta
