The Cincinnati Reds have a tendency to hold onto players longer than their optimal trade value, and it’s a trend that has tempted fate in the past. Fans may remember when the organization clung to homegrown favorites like Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier, and Jay Bruce, hoping for a turnaround that never materialized. While the loyalty to beloved players is commendable, it has often come at the cost of missed opportunities to bolster the roster through shrewd trades.
This issue resurfaced recently when Cincinnati traded former closer Alexis Díaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers, receiving surprisingly little in return. In hindsight, had the Reds moved Díaz after his standout All-Star season in 2023, the return could have been significantly greater. Even a trade before the start of the 2025 season would have likely yielded more than what they got for former 13th-round draft pick Mike Villani.
As the Reds hover around .500 this season and face stiff competition in the National League, the prospect of becoming sellers at the upcoming MLB trade deadline is growing. Should that scenario unfold, they may want to consider players whose values are currently high, in order to avoid seeing their worth decline as it did with Díaz.
3 Reds Players to Consider Trading Before Their Value Dips
TJ Friedl, Outfielder
This one might not sit well with Reds fans, but trading TJ Friedl may soon become a pragmatic option for the front office. Friedl has emerged as one of the team’s most crucial players and will certainly draw interest from playoff-bound teams as the trade deadline approaches.
As a reliable leadoff hitter and a solid defender in centerfield, Friedl checks off two boxes that contending teams are looking to fill. He has three years of team control remaining after this season, but with his 30th birthday on the horizon this August, Cincinnati faces a dilemma. If the team finds itself in a tight race for a playoff spot post-All-Star break, his contributions could be vital. However, should the Reds fall out of contention, Friedl could be their most valuable trade asset.
Nick Lodolo, Pitcher
Starting pitchers are always in demand at the trade deadline, and left-handed starters are particularly coveted. Nick Lodolo fits this bill, and if Cincinnati struggles to keep their head above water as July winds down, he could be a candidate for a trade.
Despite some injury setbacks that have hindered his career—raising legitimate concerns among clubs—Lodolo has the potential to be the best starter in the Reds’ rotation when healthy. Considering the promising young arms in the Reds’ system, such as Brandon Williamson, Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Chase Petty, it’s not far-fetched to envision a scenario where Nick Krall weighs the benefits of dealing Lodolo for an impactful return.
Tyler Stephenson, Catcher
The situation surrounding Tyler Stephenson is intriguing and warrants serious consideration. If the Reds see Stephenson as a long-term solution behind the plate, they need to demonstrate that commitment through a contract extension. But with just one year of team control remaining after this season, it may be wise to explore trade options now while his value is at its peak.
With Jose Trevino secured through 2027 and the emergence of Alfredo Duno as a promising backstop, the Reds must evaluate their intentions for the catcher position moving forward. If they view Duno as the future franchise catcher, then making a move with Stephenson this summer might be prudent. Given his offensive capabilities as a bat-first catcher, the phone lines in Cincinnati’s front office would likely be buzzing with inquiries from interested teams if he becomes available as the deadline approaches.
As the trade deadline draws near, the Reds will need to carefully assess their situation and consider the players who could maximize their return. Embracing a proactive approach could be the key to building a stronger future while avoiding the pitfalls of holding onto assets too long.
