The MLB All-Star Game has come and gone. We are at the unofficial halfway point of the season. As it stands right now, the Cincinnati Reds are in the playoff hunt, currently sitting 7.5 games back of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Despite being pretty far back in the division, the Reds are only 2.5 games back in the NL Wild Card hunt. The Reds came into the season expecting to compete for the NL Central crown. That expectation was quickly dashed as the Reds have struggled with consistency offensively. The pitching has been solid all season and there was a point where the Reds lost three straight 1-0 games. That feat hadn’t happened since 1960, which explains how historic it was. Cincinnati is just a few pieces away from making a serious run at a playoff spot and with the trade deadline just a few weeks away, the Reds can make a move towards a run in October. The Cincinnati Reds can win the trade deadline with addressing a few needs.

Team Status:

Buyer

Team Needs:

Right Handed power bat (1B or LF/RF)
Back-end bullpen

Untouchables:

Chase Burns
Elly De La Cruz
Matt McLain
Rhett Lowder
Sal Stewart

Players who could be dealt from MLB team:

Nick Martinez (Money owed)
Tyler Stephenson (Lack of interest for extension & year of control)
Brady Singer (year of control)

Reds President of Baseball Operations, Nick Krall and General Manager Brad Meador have done a solid job in building this ballclub via the farm system and rebuild. The Reds are in the position where they can deal from their farm system and the major league ballclub. The approach should be pretty much anyone is available to be dealt. There are five players that should completely hands off. With the rest of the organization available, Krall and Meador could drastically improve this roster, bringing in quality pieces. Offensively, the Reds need help with a power bat, preferably a corner infielder or outfielder. A right handed power bat will benefit this lineup and help supplement the left handed bats. Right handed power is seriously lacking in this lineup and a move to bring in that player type will be crucial for this team.

Another move that would be perfect for the Reds is one that would bring a bullpen arm, that could slot in at the back end. A bullpen arm at the back end will help alleviate the workload of Emilio Pagan. Pagan has shouldered a lot of the work this season and would greatly more help. Twins relievers Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran are names linked with the Reds. One or both of them would significantly boost the Reds bullpen and make them a pitching staff hitters will fear.

This is a crucial trade deadline for the Reds. Bringing in Terry Francona, a future Hall of Famer, to manage this club was a big get for the team. Now, they have to help Francona and give him the pieces to help push this team towards the playoffs.

Chris Asbrock and Impact Sports Cincinnati can be followed on Twitter   and