Buyers or sellers: Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds

Record: 47-50

Games out of playoffs: 8.0 in NL Central, 3.0 in wild card

Buyer or seller: Buyer

Entering the 2024 season, the Cincinnati Reds were a popular choice to win the National League Central division title. With a talented but young offense and a pitching staff filled with potential, they got off to a slow start, going 20-30 over the first 50 games of the season.

But after a recent stretch of solid baseball, they find themselves back in a battle where everyone in the division still has a good chance.

Starting pitchers Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo have been joined by breakout second-year starter Andrew Abbott, while shortstop Elly De La Cruz and second baseman Jonathan India continue to set the table for the Reds' offense.

With the trade deadline approaching, here is a player the Reds should target to keep pace in the NL Central.

One move to make: Acquire Miami Marlins relief pitcher Tanner Scott

Relief pitcher Alexis Diaz has been firmly entrenched as the Reds closer since taking over the duties in 2023, but he has had trouble repeating his success from a year ago.

With a 1-3 record, 4.33 ERA and 1.47 WHIP, the 27-year-old has gone 19 for 21 on save opportunities after going 37 for 40 last season. Issuing 22 walks in 34.1 innings pitched, Diaz has been the one getting himself into trouble.

While the Reds still believe he will continue the form he has shown over his last seven appearances (one earned run in seven innings, two saves), adding another power arm to the bullpen would pay huge dividends to their playoff hopes as the season progresses.

That's where Scott comes into the picture.

Scott is the best left-handed reliever expected to be on the move before the 2024 trade deadline, and he would fit in perfectly as a complement to Diaz at the end of games.

With a 6-5 record, 1.34 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, the 29-year-old (turns 30 on July 22) has converted 14 of 16 saves while being selected as a National League All-Star.

Giving Reds manager David Bell another weapon in the bullpen would be huge, as Diaz has not been as lights out as in previous years.

Set to be a free agent after this season, Scott would likely cost the Reds a player in the top 15 of their farm system, but they should be able to avoid trading one of their more prized prospects.