The 2024 MLB trade deadline is locked in for 6 PM ET on Tuesday, July 30th. As of this writing—11:30 PM ET on Monday, July 29th—the Cincinnati Reds find themselves in a familiar, frustrating position. Despite a strong performance from Hunter Greene (7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER) against the Tampa Bay Rays, their bullpen collapse and lackluster offense led to yet another squandered opportunity. With just one day left before the deadline, the Reds remain stuck in last place in the NL Central at 50-55, five games below .500. However, they are still within reach of the final NL Wild Card spot, sitting just five games out with 57 games left to play.

That leaves their trade strategy uncertain. Cincinnati has yet to make a significant move this deadline season, with their only acquisition being Austin Slater earlier in the month. Trade rumors briefly swirled around Jonathan India, who has rebounded this year to remind everyone why he won the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year. The Yankees were once considered frontrunners for India, but they pivoted to acquiring Jazz Chisholm instead. The Seattle Mariners also expressed interest in India, continuing their trade history with the Reds, but nothing materialized.

On the pitching side, the Reds could still move some of their pending free agents. The trade market for starting pitchers may begin to heat up now that the Texas Rangers have kicked things off by sending Michael Lorenzen to the Kansas City Royals. With their deep rotation, the Rangers’ willingness to move starters could set off a chain reaction that benefits teams like the Reds, who have arms to offer—specifically Frankie Montas and Nick Lodolo.

One potential trade partner, the Baltimore Orioles, have reportedly shifted their focus to a bigger target: former Cy Young winner Blake Snell of the San Francisco Giants. That development could leave the Reds without the trade options they once anticipated.

Notably absent from this conversation? Any mention of the Reds as buyers. There are no credible reports suggesting they’re looking to add talent, whether due to their patience in waiting for Matt McLain’s return or their front office’s tight-lipped approach. Based on past moves—or lack thereof—it seems more likely they’ll stand pat and risk wasting another year of Elly De La Cruz’s immense potential rather than aggressively improving the roster.

This is a stark contrast to last year when they sat in first place at the deadline, 10 games above .500. Instead of making a major push, they played it conservatively. Now, with their playoff hopes dwindling, it appears they’re taking the same approach once again.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/866661522045044788

Meanwhile, other teams are making bold moves. The Chicago Cubs—who have been battling the Reds for the NL Central basement—just made a splash by acquiring Isaac Paredes from the Rays. Ironically, the Reds will now face both Paredes and the Cubs in a crucial series, with both teams’ seasons potentially on the line.

So, will the Reds make a move before the deadline? Or will they once again let an opportunity slip away? Time is running out.