The Cincinnati Reds are getting hot and sit just one-and-a-half games back from the third National League Wild Card spot.
The Reds had a very productive June, winning series against the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres.
Cincinnati has put themselves in position to buy at the trade deadline with some clear holes that need to be addressed for a potential postseason run.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield named one player that each team should trade for or trade away, and the Reds are being urged to land an All-Star corner infielder.
Colorado Rockies first/third baseman Ryan McMahon is one of the top trade chips available and should be on the move later this month.
McMahon, 30, had a rough start to the season but has been better as of May. The 2024 All-Star has 12 home runs and 25 RBI while slashing .216/.318/.387 in 84 games.
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“The Reds should absolutely be looking to add -- and third base has been a black hole all season, with Reds third basemen ranking near the bottom of the majors in OPS,” wrote Schoenfield. “…The ongoing roulette spin to see who starts from Santiago Espinal, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Gavin Lux isn't a solution.”
While McMahon’s stats on the surface don’t suggest this would be much of an upgrade, McMahon has hit 20 or more home runs in his last five full seasons (nine in 2020 shortened-season) and his defensive prowess at both corner infield positions suggest otherwise.
McMahon is an unrestricted free agent in 2028, giving the Reds years of control for an impact player.
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