Reds blasted by ex-MLB GM for 'very disappointing' trade deadline

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) watches from the dugout before a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026. © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds had one of the quieter trade deadlines of any team around Major League Baseball. Only the Athletics can compare with how lackluster their deadline was.

While other teams bought and sold at the deadline, the Reds really didn't do a whole lot. After not really upgrading the team nor selling off all their expiring assets, the deadline came and went for the Reds with some clear, underwhelming results.

But, after the deadline passed, former MLB GM Jim Bowden for The Athletic blasted the Reds organization, calling them out for a "very disappointing" deadline that the Reds punted away for no good reason.

Reds had 'very disappointing' trade deadline

"Worst job of standing pat: Cincinnati Reds. The Reds didn't buy and didn't sell; they just punted," Bowden writes. "An organization that had so many needs at the major-league level wasn't able to add anything to help this year's team, nor improve it for future years. Very disappointing."

The Reds made two trades at this year's deadline. One sent reliever Caleb Ferguson out for international bonus pool money from the St. Louis Cardinals. No players came back in that deal.

Their only other notable deal at the deadline was sending Nathaniel Lowe to the Cleveland Guardians, landing right-handed pitcher Alejandro Rivera in return.

MORE: How Cubs inadvertently helped Dodgers trade for Tarik Skubal

It was not a very exciting deadline by any means for the Reds, as they could've sold Eugenio Suarez, JJ Bleday, Brock Burke, and Brady Singer for some decent returns at the deadline.

Or, they could've gone out and acquired big-league help that could provide an impact in 2027 and beyond. But they didn't do either of those things at the deadline.

As Bowden notes, the Reds "punted" at the deadline, effectively giving up the chance to improve the team's future.

It's a baffling decision from the Reds, and it's an incredibly disappointing outcome. Bowden is blasting Cincinnati's front office for this decision, and rightfully so.

More MLB news:

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• What did Mets get for Freddy Peralta? Rays send three prospects for 4.99 ERA SP
• Tigers receive lousy grade for Tarik Skubal trade to Dodgers from ESPN
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