After showing flashes of brilliance in 2023 and riding a wave of youth-led momentum into 2024, the Cincinnati Reds entered the 2025 season with playoff expectations. But as the year has unfolded, the team has found itself in an all-too-familiar spot: hovering around the middle of the NL Central standings, inconsistent and in need of a spark.
Fortunately, with a young core featuring Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Hunter Greene, the Reds are not far from contention — they just need the right reinforcements. And according to league insiders, Cincinnati’s front office may be prepared to make the most aggressive trade push the city has seen in years.
With the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaching, the Reds are reportedly targeting three proven veterans who could alter their season and their future: Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins), Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox), and Josh Bell (Washington Nationals). Each fills a glaring need — and each could be a franchise-defining addition.
Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins): The Rotation Leader Cincinnati Desperately Needs
The Reds’ young starting rotation has plenty of talent but not enough stability. Injuries and growing pains have kept them from putting together a sustained run — which is why Sandy Alcantara is so intriguing. The Marlins’ 2022 NL Cy Young winner is the kind of durable, experienced arm that could immediately anchor the Reds’ staff.
Alcantara has logged some of the most innings in baseball over the past few seasons, and while his numbers have dipped in 2025, much of that is due to Miami’s weak defense and lack of run support. A move to Cincinnati would pair him with a rising cast of arms like Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott, giving the Reds one of the most formidable rotations in the National League.
With Alcantara under team control through 2027, this wouldn’t be a rental — it would be a foundation move for years to come.
Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox): A Five-Tool Star to Energize the Lineup
While Cincinnati’s offense can be electric, it’s also streaky. Injuries and inconsistency in the outfield have left the Reds lacking both pop and defense. Luis Robert Jr., the Chicago White Sox outfielder, could fix both problems immediately.
The 2020 Gold Glove winner and 2023 Silver Slugger has been a rare bright spot for the rebuilding White Sox. With elite range in the field and game-changing power at the plate, Robert would fit perfectly into the Reds’ lineup — likely slotting in at center or left field and pushing TJ Friedl or Jake Fraley into more situational roles.
Robert also brings postseason potential and leadership that could help mentor Cincinnati’s young stars, particularly De La Cruz, who shares Robert’s elite athleticism but is still learning how to harness it at the MLB level.
