Many expected the Cincinnati Reds to make a run at a division title this year thanks to a blossoming young core. However, the team has ridden hot and cold streaks to a spot just outside the National League Wild Card picture. Though a lot can change in the next week, the Reds appear ready to sell select pieces at the upcoming trade deadline.
Sources: The Reds, swept by the Nats this weekend, are indicating to teams that they are willing to move players on expiring contracts.
The Orioles are among the clubs with interest in their pitching, including Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 22, 2024
Specifically, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported on Sunday that the Reds will look to sell players on expiring contracts. A post-All-Star break hot streak could have catapulted the team into better postseason positioning before the deadline. But, getting swept by the Washington Nationals helped clarify the squad’s outlook.
Reds Looking To Sell Rental Players At The Trade Deadline
Right-handed pitchers Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez will likely bring back the best package among Cincinnati rental players. Both have contract options for 2025, but neither seems too likely to get picked up.
Morosi reveals that Montas and Martinez have generated interest from the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore’s need for pitching help is no secret around the league. In Montas, the Orioles might see an opportunity to bring in a high-upside arm without sacrificing top prospect capital.
Frankie Montas
The 31-year-old has struggled in his first season in Cincinnati. In 18 starts, the righty tossed 89 innings and posted a 4.85 ERA (88 ERA+) with below-average strikeout and walk rates. He also missed two starts after getting hit in the arm with a line drive in late April.
It wasn't always pretty for Frankie Montas of the @Reds (4.2IP 6H 7ER 3BB 3K), but his sweeper had some highlights, including this strikeout, and it winning our Starting Pitcher Pitch of the Day for July 19th pic.twitter.com/cMeYq7swhW
— Baseball Prospectus (@baseballpro) July 20, 2024
Though his numbers are poor, Montas could have untapped potential. The veteran has allowed three runs or fewer in 12 of 18 starts this year. Plus, it’s his first full season after tossing less than two innings last year due to surgery.
Montas was a former top prospect who posted a 110 ERA+ from 2018-2022. It seems that the Reds are willing to sell low on him at the deadline. Since pitching is so expensive to acquire, teams with solid player development systems, like the Orioles, could view Montas as a value pickup.
Nick Martinez
While Montas represents a high-upside play, Martinez strengthens the depth of a pitching staff. Players like him will raise the floor of a team’s potential whereas a talent like Montas could help raise the ceiling.
The righty has provided value over the past few years as a back-end starter and multi-inning reliever. He likely won’t start a playoff game, but will eat innings down the stretch and could have a role in a postseason bullpen.
Five innings of one-hit, shutout baseball with four strikeouts?
That's big time, Nick Martinez ✋✋✋#Reds pic.twitter.com/xuiquiUdqj
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) May 17, 2024
In his first season with Cincinnati, Martinez has tossed 72 innings in 28 games (five starts) and posted a 3.88 ERA (110 ERA+). Like Montas, he doesn’t strike many batters out. However, Martinez excels at limiting walks and generating soft contact.
Not every contender needs to acquire an ace at the deadline. Solid production in mid-and-low leverage innings can do wonders for strengthening the overall output of a pitching staff. This is the type of production that Martinez would provide a potential new team, and it could help them make the playoffs.
Other Reds Rentals
Besides Montas and Martinez, the Reds could sell rental bullpen arms at the trade deadline. Relievers with past success like southpaw Justin Wilson and righties Buck Farmer and Lucas Sims would generate interest, but wouldn’t feature a price tag on par with Montas or Martinez.
Team looking for a platoon bat might show interest in recent outfield acquisition Austin Slater. Unfortunately, his value is likely limited due to his position and his 2024 struggles. That said, a trade package of Slater and a pitcher would likely generate interest from teams not looking to spend big.
The Reds need to move players like Frankie Montas, Nick Martinez and Jonathan India if there is real value in return.
…..but if the Reds are only getting fringe prospects back, they should give this team a chance, as small as it might be because of how good their pitching is. pic.twitter.com/1kCNah4jc8
— Chatterbox Sports (@CBoxSports) July 22, 2024
For the Reds to make a serious impact as trade deadline sellers, pieces from its infield surplus would have to move. The organization’s most valuable players include veterans under team control like Jonathan India and Jeimer Candelario or one of several promising young infielders.
However, the Reds have lingered around mediocrity this season largely due to injuries. There’s real logic for the Reds to trade only expiring contacts at the deadline and hope to benefit from a healthy core in 2025.
Main Photo Credits: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
