Right now the Cincinnati Reds are sitting second place in the division at 59-52, half a game behind the Milwaukee Brewers, following a series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Just four days ago, the Reds were atop the division with a 1.5 game lead on the Brewers. But that was before the trade deadline, now that it’s after.

The Reds really needed to get pieces at the trade deadline, especially with their pitching. They have an incredibly strong offense and are able to capitalize on it when needed; 5 of their hitters have an OPS over .800. They have one of the most comeback wins of any team in the MLB. And what helps that offense even more is their speed, as they have the most stolen bases in all of baseball. The team has a scary lineup, with a young and scrappy energy that has allowed them to go far this season. 

However, their pitching has been another story. The Reds have the 3rd highest ERA in the National League (NL) and have given up the 2nd most earned runs in the NL. Starting pitching has been a major issue, especially when their star starter Hunter Greene, was placed on the injured list with a hip injury. Their other strong starter Nick Lodolo has been dealing with a lower leg injury. The remaining starters have been doing alright, all things considered, but if the Reds really wanted to improve, the front office should have decided to try and get a starter at the deadline, especially as there were so many available. 

What the Reds did do was get another reliever from the Oakland As, Sam Moll. He has pitched pretty well all season with a 4.24 ERA in 40 innings. And on August 3 against the Cubs, he pitched great, 1 ⅓ innings with one and no runs. Moll will do good to help out the bullpen, but the Reds really needed a strong starter to help them push through the end of the season. 

But the Reds’ front office didn’t do that. Historically, this organization has avoided spending at the deadline, much to their downfall. And this season will likely be more of the same, especially as the Cubs add power bat Jeimer Candelario, and the Brewers make moves to bolster their weaker lineups spots and bullpen. The Reds luckily have an easier stretch for the next few games, but when facing stronger teams, and especially in the postseason, the lack of spending when it mattered most may be the downfall of the 2023 Cincinnati Reds.