Last Wednesday, on June 24, 2015, the Cincinnati Reds beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 5-2 game, with the Reds getting four runs in the first inning. There have been a lot of MLB trade rumors when it comes to these two teams, and this is what we know about Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates Trade Rumors and News as we are now about a month before the July 31st MLB trade deadline.
ESPN recently reported on their article "Ten Names to Watch as the MLB Trade Deadline Approaches" that Johnny Cueto, the RHP of the Cincinnati Reds, is on that list. It was a tough beginning for him as he missed the start due to a tender elbow. He has since received a 2.84 ERA in four starts since then with a 26-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Should he keep this record up, he will be quite the player as he goes up for grabs. The report states that the Reds are hanging onto Cueto, but the prediction is that he will go to the "pitching-hungry" Dodgers on July 28th.
Another Reds player that looks to be one to watch for is Aroldis Chapman, an LHP, a "closer...whom other teams drool over". Chapman doesn't really have any control over where he goes, as he won't be a free agent until 2016. The prediction is that Chapman will also end up with the Dodgers.
As for the Pittsburgh Pirates, a recent report from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says that the Pirates are looking to both the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies as they consider adding a starter. The Phillies are also sending a scout to look at the Pirates' Double-A affiliate, and it is possible that Aaron Harang could be added to the rotation. There have been reports that the Pirates have been very interested in the Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli .
The Bucs are also looking for a "first base upgrade", and the Boston Globe states that Pittsburgh could be interested in Clay Buchholz, but he does had two option years left on his deal.
Now, there is an intersection on these Reds/Pirates rumors as Rum Bunter reports that the Pirates could be "looting the Cincinnati Reds". Todd Frazier, the third baseman for the Cincinnati, is signed through 2016, but he has had a breakout season and is in his prime. It is possible for the Pirates to be targeting this player for future trades. With Frazier out-performing Pirates like Josh Harrison, is it possible that the Pirates would be willing to give up Harrison for Frazier? If so, that would be considered a tough move as Harrison has a lot of loyalty.
Other names from the Reds that have been thrown around are Jay Bruce, who is also signed on until 2016. Then there is Marlon Byrd as well as Billy Hamilton.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, there will be a lot to be heard as far as trades from the Reds and the Pirates.
