The Cincinnati Reds have a deep pool of major league-caliber pitchers but are lacking when it comes to hitting. Their rotation is headlined by Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer, with Andrew Abbott and Nick Martinez also playing key roles.
In the pipeline, pitchers like Carson Spiers, Chase Petty, and Chase Burns are nearing MLB readiness, and Rhett Lowder is expected back from injury soon.
Given their pitching depth, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Reds look to trade Martinez, the only starter with an expiring contract.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield recently suggested Martinez could be dealt, noting that while he’s a valuable swingman, his $21 million salary makes him an expensive option—around $7 million for the final two months of the season—for a pitcher who may not be a postseason starter.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a potential fit, given their injury-riddled rotation and deep farm system.
They could use someone like Martinez for both starting and bullpen roles. In return, Cincinnati might target promising outfield prospects such as James Outman or Dalton Rushing—either of whom would address their thin outfield depth.
