MLB Trade Frenzy Heats Up — Reds Stay Quiet as Deadline Looms and Clubhouse Tension Builds

Once the MLB trade market started heating up ahead of the July 31 deadline (6 p.m. ET), it didn’t take long for the deals to roll in.

The Seattle Mariners kicked things off on July 24 with what felt like the first major move of the trade season. That deal sparked a wave of activity across the league by July 25. Both New York teams got involved — the Yankees acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies, while the Mets picked up lefty reliever Gregory Soto.

Meanwhile, trade rumors surrounding former Reds slugger Eugenio Suárez continued to swirl, though he remains with the Arizona Diamondbacks for now.

As of July 25, the Cincinnati Reds sit at 53–50 and just two games back of the final National League Wild Card spot. However, they have yet to make a move. Whether or not they decide to jump into the trade frenzy remains to be seen.

Regardless of what the front office decides, the uncertainty is already being felt in the Reds’ clubhouse. Players are bracing for potential changes, knowing that trades could disrupt lives and rosters at any moment.

Reds manager Terry Francona acknowledged the tense atmosphere and emphasized that he’s focused on keeping the team grounded and locked in on the games themselves.

“When you know you’re likely a seller, it can be distracting,” Francona said. “I understand it—this affects families and lives. But the more we focus on playing baseball, the better off we’ll be. My concern is winning. The front office is making calls like every team. Out of hundreds of rumors, maybe one actually happens. So we just need to play.”

Although the Reds are well within reach of a Wild Card spot and have reason to be aggressive at the deadline, Francona said his focus remains squarely on supporting his players — not pushing for roster changes.

“I like the guys we have. I’ve always said that,” Francona added. “You won’t hear me say we ‘need’ anything — that sends the wrong message to the players in the room. My job is to support the team we have, and I’m going to stick to that.”