Way to Early Trade Deadline Predictions for the Cincinnati Reds.
The Cincinnati Reds currently sit at 6-6 on the year and are set to play the series finale against the division-rival Brewers today. They won the first game of the series but have lost the last two to the Brewers. The team has been dealing with plenty of injuries of late but really could use to take the series finale today to split the series. They head to Chicago to take on the White Sox this weekend in a three-game series. While the hopes for the season are a push for the division title and a birth into the postseason, below are way too early trade deadline predictions for the Reds as they make that late-season push toward the postseason.
Areas of Need:
Like last year the Reds Bullpen is off to a slow start. They have a 4.64 ERA and a 1.36 whip in 12 games this season already. The ERA is 20th in the league right now as it stands. They have issued 21 free passes as well, which certainly doesn’t help matters, while only striking out 43 on the season. I believe the Reds so make a move for at least one Bullpen Arm listed below.
RHP – Chris Martin Boston – Red Sox
Martin is a hard-throwing right-hand pitcher who played a huge role in the backend of the Red Sox bullpen last year. He appeared in 55 games last year with a 4-1 record over 51.1 innings of work. He posted a 1.05 ERA, and 1.03 WHIP, walked eight, and struck out 46 batters. He has appeared in six games so far this year going 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. in six innings of work, he has
issued one walk and struck out nine batters. His ERA is a little bloated due to his outing last night against the Baltimore Orioles where he allowed three of his four earned runs on the year in that one outing. So take out that one outing he would have one earned run in five innings of work. Martin is the kind of pitcher the Reds need in the back end of their bullpen to support Alexis Diaz and the starting rotation. Manager David Bell would welcome the arm as a weapon from the bullpen.
Potential trade: Chris Martin to the Reds for, SP Christian Roa
Roa has yet to pitch this season for the Triple-A Louisville Bats, but last season he made 28 appearances, with 25 starts earning a 5-9 record on the year. He threw 120.1 innings, had a 5.16 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, and Struck out 170 batters. Boston needs young arms in their system and by the time the deadline rolls around I believe they will be sellers preparing for next year.
Secondary need
With the uncertainty around Noelvi Marte and the slow start for Jeimer Candelario, I think we could see the Reds make a move for either a Third base bat or a corner outfield bat while Spencer Steer moves back into the infield. I saw all this while we still are unsure when Matt Mclain could return from the injured list perhaps in August, but nothing says he comes back and stays healthy. Here are two names to watch out for.
