Cincinnati Reds Gear Up for MLB Trade Deadline

Reds Slip Closer to Historic Losing Mark

Cincinnati is now just one game shy of matching its three‑year low of 10 games under .500. All four clubs in the National League Central— Pittsburgh, Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Louis— entered the week with playoff spots. With 20 teams within 2.5 games of contention and three more within 4.5, the Reds sit in a tough spot as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches.

Mariners Blank the Reds 8‑0 in a Rough Showcase

Monday night’s 8‑0 defeat to Seattle highlighted several struggles that will factor into Reds roster decisions. Eugenio Suárez received a standing ovation before going 0‑for‑3, including a line‑drive to left in the fourth and a double‑play grounder in the seventh. Right‑hander Pierce Johnson poured gasoline on a 1‑0 lead, surrendering four runs on five batters in the seventh after Andrew Abbott had kept the game tight.

Key Performances and Notable Stats

Caleb Ferguson’s stint ended quickly; he entered with runners on second and third, intentionally walked the next batter and watched Cal Raleigh launch a grand slam on the first pitch— the 10th homer of the season for Raleigh, who posted 60 home runs last year. Spencer Steer was plunked leading off the seventh and finished 0‑for‑2. Catcher Tyler Stephenson, a pending free agent, went 0‑for‑3 the day after hitting two homers and a double, and his errant throw contributed to an unearned run. Elly De La Cruz sparked the Reds with a walk and his 15th stolen base of the campaign.

Reds Labeled as Certain Sellers

The club is among the “certain sellers” in a loaded market where many teams are within striking distance of the postseason. Players such as Brady Singer, Eugenio Suárez, Tyler Stephenson and Spencer Steer are already being linked to potential moves, and the recent loss only adds urgency to Cincinnati’s evaluation. The trade‑deadline window could reshape the roster for next year and beyond.

Tuesday’s Start: Burns Vs. Former Ace Castillo

The Reds look to rebound Tuesday when All‑Star righty Chase Burns (11‑1, 2.54 ERA) takes the mound against former Reds ace Luis Castillo (3‑8, 4.93 ERA). Burns, who earned his 11th win, will aim to help Cincinnati halt a slide that has left the division behind a quartet of rivals already locked into playoff positions.