Will the Cincinnati Reds push for a playoff spot in 2024 or stay patient with their young squad and wait until 2025?
After an 82-win season in 2023 that narrowly saw the Cincinnati Reds miss out on a playoff spot, the club looked to make the jump in 2024 and reach the postseason for the first time (excluding the COVID year) since 2013. So far, a young Reds team has been unable to build on last season’s success.
The Reds are 38-43 — putting them 10 games back in the NL Central and 3.5 games behind in the National League Wild Card race. Cincy is in a difficult position at the trade deadline as it decides whether to push for the postseason or stay patient with its young squad and wait until next year. With so much to consider, here are four Reds players who will be on the trade block ahead of the 2024 MLB trade deadline.
Jeimer Candelario (3B/1B)
A trade deadline acquisition for the Chicago Cubs last year, Jeimer Candelario jumped to division rivals the Cincinnati Reds in free agency and has continued to swing the bat well. The corner infielder’s .480 slugging leads the club, and his 14 homers are also tied for a team-best.
Unfortunately for Candelario, his performance at the plate has not helped the Reds win many games this year. Candelario is in the first season of a three-year, $45 million deal with a club option for a fourth year. The Reds will be reluctant to trade him, but Jeimer Candelario will provide a good haul for a team unlikely to make the playoffs in 2024.
