Tyler Stephenson Could Be The Cincinnati Reds Best Trade Chip At The MLB Deadline Naz Reid [GX0p9zTYhlH]

Nick Kirby and Mike Hart discuss Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson's trade value at the upcoming deadline and what teams might be interested.

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Tyler Stephenson Could Be the Cincinnati Reds' Most Valuable Trade Chip at the Deadline

With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Cincinnati Reds have several veterans drawing interest from contenders. Emilio Pagn, Brady Singer, and other impending free agents all make logical trade candidates. But no player may generate more discussion than catcher Tyler Stephenson.

Stephenson isn't just another rental. He's one of the more productive offensive catchers potentially available, a respected clubhouse leader, and a player whose departure would create both immediate questions and long-term opportunities for the Reds.

If Cincinnati decides to sell, moving Stephenson may ultimately be the organization's toughest decision.

Stephenson is set to become a free agent after the season, and there has been little indication that the two sides are close to an extension. Recent reports have mothers day images indicated the Reds are expected to prioritize players on expiring contracts if they become sellers, placing Stephenson squarely among the club's most logical trade candidates. ()

The biggest reason his value has increased over the last few weeks is simple: he's swinging the bat much better.

After an inconsistent first half, Stephenson has found his rhythm in July. His recent offensive surge has reminded contenders why he has consistently been viewed as one of baseball's better offensive catchers when healthy. Several reports have noted that his improved production has significantly boosted his trade value entering the final days before the deadline.

That offensive profile is especially valuable because quality catching is incredibly difficult to find.

League-wide, there are very few catchers who can provide above-average offense while handling a pitching staff. Stephenson has built a career as exactly that type of player. Throughout his career, he has consistently produced above league average offensively for a catcher while showing the ability to hit for average, work deep counts, and provide power from the right side.

His value also extends beyond the batter's box.

Stephenson has earned praise throughout his career for his work with Cincinnati's young pitching staff. As the Reds have developed pitchers like Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and others, Stephenson has played an important role behind the plate managing games and building relationships with those arms.

He's also become one of baseball's best users of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system, routinely helping the Reds steal key strikes during games. While that doesn't appear in the box score, it's another dewanna bonner way he provides value that contenders appreciate.

From Cincinnati's perspective, however, there is another factor that cannot be ignored.

The Reds already have veteran Jose Trevino under contract, while Ben Rortvedt gives the organization another major league-caliber defensive catcher. Although neither provides Stephenson's offensive upside, both are capable defenders who prison can handle a pitching staff if Stephenson is moved.

That organizational depth makes trading Stephenson much more realistic than it would have been a year ago.

Financially, the timing also makes sense.

Rather than risk losing Stephenson in free agency for only draft-pick compensation, the Reds could instead acquire prospects or controllable major league talent that better fits their long-term timeline.

For a front office trying to balance competing in the future while avoiding the loss of valuable assets, that's an appealing option.

The market should also work in Cincinnati's favor.

Several contenders are searching for catching help before the deadline. The New York Yankees have frequently been mentioned as a possible landing spot because of their need for offensive production behind the plate, but they are far from the only team that could show interest. Catchers who can legitimately improve a lineup are rarely available this late in the season, making Stephenson one of the more unique bats on the market. ()

Of course, moving him wouldn't be an easy decision.

Stephenson has spent his entire professional career with the Reds after being selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. He's battled through injuries, developed into one of the team's leaders, and remained one of the organization's most respected veterans.

Trading a player with that kind of history sends a message that the organization is prioritizing the future over making one final push this season.

But that may simply reflect where the Reds currently stand.

If Cincinnati believes it won't realistically contend for a playoff spot this year, maximizing the value of an impending free agent becomes difficult to argue against.