JUST IN : Reds’ Golden Opportunity: Hidden Angels Duo Could Be Deadline Steal That Fuels Playoff Run

Reds Could Hit Jackpot if Angels Launch Fire Sale Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

With the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching, the Cincinnati Reds have a golden opportunity to strengthen their roster — if they’re ready to strike at the right time. While much of the buzz surrounds more obvious trade candidates, Cincinnati would be wise to keep a close eye on the Los Angeles Angels.

Currently sitting fourth in the AL West and hovering just below the .500 mark, the Angels are on the brink of a full-scale rebuild. If they officially decide to sell, the Reds could benefit by targeting two valuable pieces.

Outfielder Taylor Ward and left-handed reliever Reid Detmers are both quietly having impactful seasons and could address key areas of need in Cincinnati’s playoff push.

Undervalued Angels Duo Could Be Ideal Deadline Targets for the Reds

Taylor Ward is flying under the radar despite a strong season. While his .231 batting average may not impress on the surface, he’s crushed 23 home runs, driven in 76 runs, and holds a solid .793 OPS. His OPS+ of 115 confirms he’s performing 15% better than the league average offensively.

Ward’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations makes him even more valuable. In one blistering week this past May, he batted .407 with a 1.382 OPS, earning AL Player of the Week honors. His advanced stats back it up: a .337 wOBA, 14% barrel rate, and a 90.3 mph average exit velocity all point to legitimate power and consistency.

Reid Detmers, meanwhile, has reinvented himself in 2025 as a dominant bullpen weapon. The former first-round pick has pitched 45⅓ innings across 42 relief appearances, recording 55 strikeouts and a 4.17 ERA. His 10.9 K/9 and 28.5% strikeout rate suggest he’s overpowering hitters, and his 3.24 FIP indicates his ERA may be inflated due to bad luck or subpar defense behind him.

Detmers also comes with three more years of team control, making him a cost-effective asset — the type of under-the-radar move that could pay off big down the stretch.

Time to Move Smart, Not Flashy

According to reports, the St. Louis Cardinals and other contenders are already showing interest in Detmers, signaling that the time to act is now. If the Reds want to avoid overpaying for a headline name, these two Angels could offer the ideal mix of impact and value.

Neither Ward nor Detmers is likely to require a massive return, especially if the Angels commit to retooling for the future. For a Reds team in need of an offensive spark and bullpen depth, this could be the moment to cash in smartly.

Bottom Line:
If the Angels decide to blow things up at the deadline, the Reds should be ready. Taylor Ward and Reid Detmers might not be the flashiest names available, but they check all the right boxes — and could quietly push Cincinnati closer to a postseason berth.