New MLB Trade Rumors on Reds' Plans for Deadline Amid 2026 Season Struggles

The Cincinnati Reds reportedly have "made it known they're open for business for teams looking to buy" ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, according to C. Trent Rosecrans and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The Athletic added that "For now, sources indicate the Reds are focusing their efforts on moving players with expiring contracts. According to team sources, the Reds are open to adding major-league talent at this year's trade deadline to strengthen their roster for 2027 and beyond."

It doesn't come as a major surprise. The Reds are just 44-52 on the season and already 15.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central and seven games back for the final Wild Card berth. With just over two weeks until the trade deadline, the Reds had to decide whether they could salvage the season.

Given how unlikely that feels, a fire sale makes sense and bolstering the farm system is the right move. The team clearly has an eye on the future after agreeing to a seven-year, $105 million extension with All-Star pitcher Chase Burns on Saturday.