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Just because they’re going to be sellers at the trade deadline doesn’t mean there are no Cincinnati Reds trade deadline targets. After all, the Reds have plenty of desirable commodities like pitcher Luis Castillo who can fetch a pretty penny on the trade market this summer. Who are some of the young prospects the Reds might be able to get back in those trades?
Reds trade deadline targets 2022
With so many Luis Castillo potential trades and countless other Reds trade ideas on the table, Cincinnati should be able to add some major pieces to its farm system this summer.
When there is Cincinnati Reds news on the trade front this summer, here are some of the young prospects Reds fans will want to hear are coming to the organization.
Jordan Walker, Cardinals
If they’re willing to trade within the division, one of the Reds’ trade deadline targets should be Jordan Walker. The third baseman is among the top-10 overall prospects in baseball and is already in double-A at age 20.
Cincinnati doesn’t exactly have a long-term answer at third base, so Walker could be a target if the Reds discuss Luis Castillo with St. Louis. After all, why not charge the Cards a premium for trading within the division?
Anthony Volpe, Yankees
The Yankees are definitely one of the teams interested in Castillo, which could make Anthony Volpe an option. He’s the best player the Yankees have in their farm system and could be their shortstop of the future.
Volpe is a true five-tool player and has tremendous upside, which is why the Reds have to ask about him, even if the Yankees are more interested in trading shortstop prospect Oswald Peraza, who might be a more realistic trade target and is actually closer to reaching the majors.
Diego Cartaya, Dodgers
Even if the Dodgers have a loaded rotation already, they still might be interested in Castillo and some of Cincinnati’s other pieces. That could make Diego Cartaya one of the Reds’ trade deadline targets.
While he’s at least a year or two away from the majors, he’s among the best catching prospects in the minors, especially after the Dodgers spent $2.5 million to sign him out of Venezuela. Cartaya already has 14 homers in A-ball this year and also has the arm to control the running game, so he’s the whole package if the Dodgers are willing to give him up in a trade.
Ryan Pepiot, Dodgers
If the Dodgers don’t want to give up Cartaya, Ryan Pepiot could be another option. He’s already made his MLB debut with the Dodgers and the early returns have been good.
Pepiot undoubtedly has the best changeup in the minors and also has a fastball that has gained velocity in recent years. Think of some of the other young pitchers to come up with the Dodgers in recent years and it’ll be clear why Pepiot would be a great addition for the Reds if they can add him in a trade.
Robert Hassell III, Padres
Don’t count out San Diego from making a bold move at the deadline. If they knock on Cincinnati’s door asking about Castillo, Robert Hassell’s name will come up.
The left-hand hitting outfielder is still in A-ball, but he was the 8th overall pick in the 2020 draft out of high school. He’s developed a little better than expected and could be someone the Reds view as a player who must be included in a package for Castillo if San Diego is serious about getting him.
Jordan Groshans, Blue Jays
The Blue Jays could be getting desperate enough to make a trade for Castillo and include a prospect like Jordan Groshans to make it happen.
Whether he sticks at shortstop or moves to third base, he’s someone who could easily find himself in Cincinnati’s long-term plans if the Reds trade for him. While he’s not having a ton of early success at triple-A, he’s reached that level at a young age and still has plenty of upside.
