With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the Cincinnati Reds are in a solid position to improve—provided they make the right moves. While much of the trade buzz centers around familiar names, one team the Reds should monitor closely is the Los Angeles Angels.
Sitting in fourth place in the AL West and struggling to stay above .500, the Angels could be on the verge of a rebuild. If they opt to sell, the Reds could take advantage by targeting two key players: outfielder Taylor Ward and left-handed reliever Reid Detmers.
Both players would offer immediate value and versatility, potentially giving Cincinnati a boost in its Wild Card push.
Ward is quietly putting together a strong season, hitting .231 with 23 home runs, 76 RBI, and a .793 OPS over 381 at-bats. His 115 OPS+ shows he’s been 15% better than the league average. Although his .305 on-base percentage isn’t standout, his power and timely hitting have stood out—especially in May, when he hit .407 with a 1.382 OPS and earned AL Player of the Week honors.
His underlying numbers (.337 wOBA, .336 xwOBA, 14% barrel rate, and a 90.3 mph average exit velocity) back up his production and suggest it’s sustainable.
As for Detmers, the former first-round pick has found a groove as a power reliever in 2024. In 42 appearances, he’s logged 45.1 innings with 55 strikeouts and a 4.17 ERA. His 10.9 K/9 rate and 3.24 FIP indicate he’s been better than the surface numbers show, likely impacted by poor defense or bad luck. With a 28.5% strikeout rate and three years of team control, he’d be a high-upside addition to the Reds’ bullpen.
Detmers has already drawn interest from teams like the Cardinals, thanks to his swing-and-miss potential and affordable contract. But for the Reds, both Ward and Detmers represent cost-effective, impactful additions who could fill immediate needs without a major prospect hit.
If the Angels decide to start over, Cincinnati will have a great chance to make smart, targeted upgrades to fuel their postseason chase.
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