May 29, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Marshall (45) throws during the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be on the trading block for the Reds? Pretty much half the bullpen could be on their way out. It doesn’t appear, depending on the deal, that the Reds will be very active having just signed the Cuban right-hander Rasiel Iglesias who has professional experience playing in Cuba. It is unlikely he will remain in the minors for long and will come up to help the club during the second half. The team also just traded for minor league first baseman Harold Riggins, though still in Double-A, might be able to provide back-up on the bench in case of an emergency.
1. Manny Parra is the first man up on the trading block for the Reds. He’s had dismal numbers this season but he along with a prospect or two might be appealing to another team desperate for a lefty reliever.
2. A package of prospects could be an option for the Reds if they are trading with a team that is rebuilding like the Tampa Bay Rays or the Chicago Cubs. A top prospect like 21-year old outfielder Phillip Ervin who, while just in his second season in Class-A ball shows a lot of promise for a team willing to wait a year or two. There is also Jesse Winker, another outfielder, who at only 20-years old is already playing at Double-A Pensacola. A package including these two players might be a way for the Reds to negotiate with a team that is ready to sell.
3. Left-handed reliever Sean Marshall, although on the disabled list, could be another bargaining chip for the Reds. His numbers when he is healthy are stellar and he should be ready to go by next season, having had season-ending surgery on his left shoulder in June. For a team out of contention Marshall would be a good pick-up.