The Cincinnati Reds improved to 51-47 after an 8-4 win over the New York Mets to open the second half. They’re in the mix for their first playoff berth since 2020 but will likely need to bolster their roster to get there.
Reds Trade Deadline Outfield Targets: A Breakdown
The Cincinnati Reds are looking to make their first postseason appearance since 2020, but they’ll need more offensive consistency to get there. While they’ve gotten flashes of production from players like TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, and Jake Fraley, the lineup’s overall volatility has made it hard to sustain momentum. That’s why many fans have been pushing for outfield help — and several names have emerged as potential fits.
Taylor Ward (LF/RF) – Steady and Underrated
Reds fans have been clamoring for Taylor Ward for two years, and with good reason. While the Angels are still in the playoff picture — making a trade less likely this year — Ward’s consistent production remains highly attractive.
He’s not a flashy power bat, but Ward has posted an OPS+ over 100 for six straight seasons, peaking at 136 in 2022 and never dipping below 105. In contrast, Reds hitters like Friedl and McLain have shown stretches of brilliance but often regress or plateau. Ward’s reliable offensive presence would provide a stabilizing force in a lineup that currently runs on streaks and slumps.
Under team control through 2026, Ward would offer both short- and medium-term value.
Luis Robert Jr. (CF) – High Risk, High Reward
Luis Robert Jr. remains one of the most intriguing names on the market, though opinions among Reds fans are divided. Despite his struggles in 2024 and 2025 — posting OPS marks of .657 and .599 respectively — Robert’s elite tools and past performance keep him on the radar.
His 2023 season was dominant: 38 homers, 20 steals, a 130 OPS+, and 5.3 bWAR in 145 games. His 2021 season, albeit shortened, showed even greater potential with a 154 OPS+ in just 68 games. Though injuries and inconsistency have hurt his stock, he’s still drawing walks at a career-high 10.1% clip this season.
Critics argue Robert is no longer motivated playing for a struggling White Sox club, and that a change of scenery could unlock his All-Star form again. He’s signed through 2025 with club options for 2026 and 2027, adding a layer of long-term upside.
Ramon Laureano (RF/LF) – Surging Veteran
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Laureano may be one of the most overlooked trade targets despite his career resurgence. After flashing potential in Oakland with an .860 OPS in 2019 and an .832 OPS in 2018, he dipped post-juiced ball era and following his 80-game PED suspension in 2021.
But his 2024 bounce-back with the Braves reignited interest, and he’s been even better in 2025 with the Orioles: a .284/.350/.517 slash line, .867 OPS, and 143 OPS+ — the best numbers of his career.
Given Baltimore’s struggles this year, Laureano could be available, and his right-handed bat would be a perfect fit in hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. He’s signed through 2025 with a player option for 2026.
Jesús Sánchez (RF) – Quietly Productive
Sánchez may not be a household name, but he brings exactly what the Reds need: consistency. The Marlins outfielder has posted OPS+ marks of 104, 100, and 104 over the past three seasons — all while playing in the cavernous confines of LoanDepot Park.
His underlying metrics suggest even more upside:
- .354 xwOBA (73rd percentile)
- 92.0 MPH avg exit velocity (86th)
- .495 xSLG (79th)
- 75.7 MPH bat speed (94th)
With two years of team control beyond 2025, Sánchez could blossom further in Cincinnati’s more hitter-friendly environment. His profile is similar to Ward’s — reliable with upside — and could be an affordable, low-risk acquisition.
Christopher Morel (LF) – Boom-or-Bust Option
Morel is a longshot option — a possible fallback if other targets fall through. Once considered a breakout star with the Cubs in 2023 (.821 OPS, 122 OPS+), he’s regressed significantly, currently slashing .221/.291/.407 with the Rays and an OPS+ of 94.
His power is still there, but persistent strikeout issues and limited defensive value make him a risky add. If acquired, it would likely be as a bench bat or utility piece rather than an everyday starter. Morel remains under control through 2028, which adds value, but his inconsistency makes him a last-resort option for a team aiming to contend.
The Reds need offensive stability if they hope to reach October. While big names like Luis Robert Jr. come with risk, players like Taylor Ward and Jesús Sánchez offer dependable production. Ramon Laureano could be a game-changer, and while Morel may tempt with his upside, the Reds should be cautious not to overextend for volatility when they need reliability.
