MLB Insider: Reds Should Make Risky Trade to Bolster Roster

The Cincinnati Reds have made some nice moves this offseason, whether that is re-signing closer Emilio Pagan, securing a left-handed specialist in the bullpen with Caleb Ferguson, or getting a former top-five draft pick on a $1.4 million deal.

However, after the offense struggled much of the 2025 season, the Reds have so far failed to go out and get a middle-of-the-order bat that would instantly improve the lineup.

MLB insider Jim Bowden agrees.

"Well, I think the Cincinnati Reds need to get more offense," Bowden told MLB Network Radio. "I really like their young rotation that Nick Krall and Brad Meador have built in Cincinnati. It's a rotation like the Pirates, that if you get enough offense, that can be a winnable divisoin in 2026."

"I don't think the Reds' offense as constituted is good enough to get there. I'd like them to go get a bat. I know there was a report last week by Gordon Wittenmyer regarding working on Luis Robert, although they weren't close to anything. They need Luis Robert. That is who they need to trade for."

Robert has a ton of upside, but has struggled since he was an All-Star in 2023, slashing just .223/.288/.372. He's also still owed $20 million for the 2026 season. For the Reds to take a chance on Robert, they would need the White Sox to eat a pretty big chunk of that salary. The White Sox are reportedly looking for young pitching in a trade for the former All-Star.

If it's Robert Jr. or someone else, the Reds need a power bat that they can plug into the middle of their lineup. If they achieve that between now and spring training, the offseason will have been a major success.

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