Rosenthal: Reds' Yasiel Puig a 'Strong Candidate' to Be Traded Entering Deadline

A recent cold streak by the Cincinnati Reds has opened up the possibility that outfielder Yasiel Puig could be dealt before the July 31 trade deadline.

Per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Puig is considered a "particularly strong candidate" to be traded as the Reds fall out of playoff contention.

The National League Central was shaping up to be one of the best division races in Major League Baseball history at the All-Star break. Cincinnati was in last place at the end of the first half (41-46), but it only trailed the division-leading Chicago Cubs by three games in the loss column (47-43).

Since the second half started, though, the Reds have struggled to keep pace. They are 5-7 in their past 12 games, falling seven games behind the Cubs in the NL Central and 6.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second NL wild-card spot.

Puig is one of six Reds players who can become a free agent after this season. The 28-year-old has rebounded from a dreadful start to post a .299/.344/.580 slash line with 17 homers and 42 RBI in 59 games since May 9.

In a trade market that figures to be beneficial to teams in need of pitching help, the Reds could net a solid return for one of the few impact hitters available if they decide to sell high on Puig.