The 2014 MLB trade deadline is just about a week away, so a lot of rumors will be swirling around. It’s tough to figure out what is true and what is just smoke. It’s still early, but the Cincinnati Reds have already been linked to a few players.
Cincinnati doesn’t have the payroll flexibility to make a major move unless it trades away a key player. At this point, the Reds are still in contention, so don’t expect them to get rid of any important pieces.
Not only do the Reds not have much money to work with, but they also don’t have many prospects high in the farm system who would be attractive to other teams.
This team started to play extremely well when it got healthy in June. The only problem is that it couldn’t stay healthy. First baseman Joey Votto (quad) and second baseman Brandon Phillips (thumb) are on the disabled list and aren’t expected back until some point in August.
Now, the Reds need to focus on finding not necessarily the best player available, but one who is versatile. Trading for a player who can only play first base or second base doesn’t make sense. The team needs more of a utility player than anything.
Check out who the Reds have been linked to early on and see if it’s a legitimate rumor or not.
*All stats are via MLB.com.