Reds linked to trade for 108 OPS+ Orioles slugger amid .676 OPS outfield problem

The Cincinnati Reds aren't having the best 2026 season, as they're 39-46, last place in the NL Central, and 14.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers.

In the NL Wild Card hunt, they're 6.0 games back, which is a good mount, but it's not so much that the Reds aren't within reach of a postseason spot if they go on a run.

If they want to climb out of the bottom of the NL Central standings, the Reds need to make a move. And with an .676 OPS outfield problem, ESPN's David Schoenfield linked the Reds to 108 OPS+ outfielder Taylor Ward of the Baltimore Orioles as a trade target.

Reds linked to trade for Taylor Ward

"Houston Astros/Cincinnati Reds: trade for Taylor Ward," Schoenfield writes. "... Astros outfielders are hitting .220/.295/.381 while Reds outfielders are hitting .218/.308/.368 for matching OPS totals of .676 through Tuesday - tied for 25th in the majors."

Adding Ward would be a huge help for the Reds, and while the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and any other club in need of right-handed hitting might compete with Cincinnati for Ward, the Reds are a great fit.

He has a .728 OPS this season, and with a .250 batting average, a solid 66-walk to 86 strikeout ratio, and 1.5 bWAR in half a season, Ward would be a nice pickup for the Reds.

MORE: Red Sox need middle infield help at trade deadline amid renewed postseason hope

Of course, they need to stay within striking distance of the postseason in order to buy before MLB's trade deadline passes on August 3.

But, if the Reds are still within striking distance, Ward, the $12.18 million veteran rental outfielder from the Orioles, would make a lot of sense as a trade target.

He might not cost too much, but he would certainly be a huge upgrade over their current outfield options, with J.J. Bleday struggling in June, and TJ Friedl, Spencer Steer, and Noelvi Marte being replaceable options.

While Cincinnati might end up selling this summer, Schoenfield believes if the team is buying, they should target Ward at the deadline as the player who'd best help this team.

More MLB news:

• Red Sox urged to sell at MLB trade deadline despite recent hot streak
• All-Star update for Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is totally ridiculous
• 3 reasons why Braves are perfect fit for Tarik Skubal at MLB trade deadline
• Blue Jays’ Max Scherzer problem has rotation as top trade deadline need
• Aaron Nola’s struggles might force Phillies to trade for a starting pitcher