Trade Deadline Preview: Cincinnati Reds

Feb 15, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a baseball on the field during Cincinnati Reds team workouts on the practice fields of Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Reds currently sit near the bottom of the National League Central. With a record of 43-41,  they are still over the .500 mark. They are five and a half games above the last place Cubs but still seven games back of the division leading Milwaukee Brewers.

However with the new expanded playoff system, the Reds are only three games out of the second wild card slot which is not much with half a season to play. The Reds will likely make some moves more on the side of buying than selling depending on what kind deals are possible. They could trade away prospects for a player to fulfill the needs they have now or they make a player for player trade like the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates did with their closers this past week, or players of two different positions in an area where the Reds have depth.

With the new playoff system there are more options and as always in baseball, anything can happen. Let’s look at some of the Reds needs and options.