The Cincinnati Reds have a clear spot that needs fixing, and second base sits right at the center of it. If Cincinnati wants to push itself into the conversation as a real contender next season and beyond, the front office is going to have to be aggressive, whether that means free agency or the trade market.
One name that fits the bill is Miami Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards. If the Reds are willing to part with solid prospect capital, he looks like the kind of player who could slide in and stabilize a problem spot immediately.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter recently included Edwards among the top trade chips available this season, and he pointed to a profile that should catch Cincinnati’s attention. "Edwards was one of only 11 qualified hitters with a walk rate above 10 percent and a strikeout rate below 15 percent," Reuter wrote.
"He batted .321 with runners in scoring position, had 21 steals in 26 attempts and played a solid defensive second base after shifting over from shortstop midway through the 2025 season. The Marlins were listening to offers for him and shortstop Otto Lopez at the deadline, and given Lopez's extremely high asking price, Edwards is the more likely trade chip."
That kind of skill set lines up neatly with what the Reds need. Matt McLain has struggled tremendously for the last few years, and Cincinnati is already looking at the possibility of getting him time in the outfield if he needs to stay in the lineup. That opens the door for a cleaner solution at second base, and Edwards would fit that opening.
The production is there, too. Edwards was worth 3.0 WAR last year, following a 2025 campaign in which he reached a career-high 3.3 WAR.
This season, he hit .280/.360/.371 with 17 doubles, six triples and six home runs in 518 at-bats. He is not a big power bat, but he puts the ball in play all over the field and gives you quality defense in the infield.
If the Reds want to get more creative, they could also consider using major league talent in a deal, with Nick Lodolo as one possible example of the type of player they might send to Miami for Edwards. However they structure it, the fit makes sense for Cincinnati.
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The Reds have plenty to think about beyond one looming contract, and that matters here. They have roster needs to juggle and limited appetite for a market that could get expensive quickly, even as Stephensons future remains unsettled and speculation builds about where he might land by 2027. For now, the clubs position looks clear enough: interest is out there, but so are the realities that make a reunion far from automatic. [Read more 🡒]