The Cincinnati Reds just watched one of their top outfield targets get snapped up - and now it’s time to pivot.
On Tuesday night, the Chicago White Sox dealt Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets in exchange for Luisangel Acuña and pitching prospect Truman Pauley. That move takes a big name off the board and leaves Cincinnati still searching for an impact bat to anchor its outfield. But all is not lost - and the Los Angeles Dodgers might just hold the key to the Reds’ next move.
With the Dodgers reportedly agreeing to a four-year, $240 million deal with All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, their 40-man roster is about to get a little too crowded. The deal isn’t official yet, and before it becomes so, Los Angeles will need to clear a roster spot. That’s where things get interesting for Cincinnati.
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers have no intention of moving slugger Teoscar Hernández. But they are open to dealing minor league outfielder Ryan Ward - and that’s a name Reds fans should get familiar with.
Ryan Ward: A Potential Diamond in the Rough
Ward isn’t a household name, but his bat has been making plenty of noise in the minors. The 27-year-old was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster earlier this offseason after an eye-popping campaign at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He slashed .290/.380/.557 with 36 home runs and 113 RBI - production that jumps off the page no matter the level.
Zoom out to the last two seasons, and Ward’s numbers remain strong: a .278 average, .356 OBP, .557 slugging, 70 homers, and a 123 wRC+. He’s not just swinging for the fences either - his plate discipline is legit.
Ward posted an impressive 12.7% walk rate last season while keeping his strikeouts in check at 18.7%. That kind of balance is exactly what the Reds could use in a lineup that still needs more consistency.
Defensively, Ward brings flexibility. He’s capable in both corner outfield spots and has also seen time at first base. That versatility adds another layer of value, especially for a Reds team that’s been creative with its roster construction in recent years.
A Reds-Style Trade Opportunity
This is exactly the kind of move Cincinnati’s front office tends to target: a low-cost, high-upside trade that doesn’t require gutting the farm system. The Dodgers aren’t likely to demand a top-tier return for Ward - they simply need to make room for Tucker. That opens the door for the Reds to swoop in with a mid-level prospect and potentially walk away with a bat that could contribute right away.
Ward may not carry the same name recognition as Luis Robert Jr., but he’s got the numbers, the approach, and the positional fit to make a real impact in Cincinnati. If the Reds are serious about upgrading their offense without mortgaging their future, this is the kind of opportunity they can’t afford to pass up.
Keep an Eye on the Pitching Side, Too
While the outfield remains a priority, there’s another potential domino worth watching. The Reds’ rotation is already a strength, but adding an arm like Bobby Miller - who’s also been loosely connected to trade chatter - could give them enough depth to consider moving Brady Singer. That would free up nearly $13 million in payroll, which could be reinvested into the offense.
It’s a delicate balance - strengthen the rotation while freeing up funds to upgrade the lineup. But it’s the kind of roster gymnastics Cincinnati’s front office has shown it can handle. And with the Dodgers needing to make a move soon, the timing might be perfect.
Bottom line: Luis Robert Jr. may be off the table, but the Reds still have a shot to land an impact player. Ryan Ward could be that guy - and the path to acquiring him might be more straightforward than expected.