The Cincinnati Reds are clearly signaling that they intend to compete right now—not in a year or two, but this season.
That urgency was on full display when they accelerated the promotion of top pitching prospect Chase Burns, skipping the usual slow development path through the minor leagues in favor of plugging him directly into the big-league roster.
With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the Reds have another opportunity to double down on that aggressive approach by swinging a bold trade that could bolster their playoff hopes.
Sports Illustrated’s Nicholas Selbe believes the Reds could make waves by targeting Miami Marlins outfielder Jesús Sánchez—a player with enormous upside who has yet to fully put everything together at the major league level.
While Sánchez’s tools are undeniable, including elite bat speed and a physically imposing 6-foot-4, 222-pound frame, his production has not quite lived up to expectations.
In 2024, he hit 18 home runs and stole 16 bases, but his current performance this season equates to a modest 99 wRC+, suggesting he’s hovering around league average.
Still, his raw tools and years of team control through 2027 make him an extremely attractive target for a team like Cincinnati looking for both short-term impact and long-term value.
Adding Sánchez might not address the team’s most immediate need—especially considering he’s a left-handed outfielder—but it would be a significant upgrade over players like Connor Joe and Garrett Hampson, who have seen considerable time in the Reds’ outfield this season.
Not only would Sánchez provide much-needed depth and upside at the plate, but he also represents a long-term investment with years of affordable control remaining. That kind of move could strike the perfect balance between competing now and building for sustained success.
A deal for Sánchez wouldn’t just improve the Reds’ lineup—it would energize a fanbase that has watched the front office remain cautious for years.
This would be the type of forward-thinking, confident transaction that shows Cincinnati believes in its current roster and wants to make a legitimate push for the postseason.
And if the Reds’ coaching staff can help unlock the full potential in Sánchez’s skill set, they could end up with a breakout star who flirts with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases every season.
Ultimately, while a trade like this wouldn’t come cheap, it could mark a pivotal step in transforming the Reds from fringe contenders to legitimate postseason threats. For a franchise trying to shake off years of mediocrity, it’s exactly the kind of gamble worth taking.
