Reds fall to Mets 3-2 on July 20, 2025, despite Nick Lodolo's strong start. A late defensive miscue seals their fate, raising trade deadline questions.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a game of inches and what-ifs at Citi Field on Sunday, ending in a gut-wrenching 3-2 loss to the Mets that felt like more than just a single defeat. As the Reds stumble to a 52-48 record, the loss magnifies the crossroads the team faces with the July 31 trade deadline looming, leaving fans to wonder: is this team buying a ticket to the postseason dance or selling off parts for next year?
We're open to both buying and selling... The goal is sustainable success.
The series finale against the Mets was a classic pitcher's duel that ultimately turned on a single defensive play. Starter Nick Lodolo was brilliant, tossing 5.2 innings and allowing just one earned run while striking out seven. The Reds' offense scraped together runs via an Elly De La Cruz RBI single and a Mets throwing error that allowed TJ Friedl to score. But a golden opportunity with the bases loaded in the second inning came up empty, a moment that would haunt them later. The game unraveled in the bottom of the eighth when Luis Torrens' grounder forced a tough play for Matt McLain, whose throw to the plate was a fraction too late to get Juan Soto, sealing the Reds' fate and handing Tony Santillan the loss.
As the team grapples with its on-field performance, General Manager Brad Meador is facing a crucial decision. In his pre-deadline comments, Meador laid out a flexible strategy, indicating the team could pivot to either buying or selling. The needs are clear: a reliable middle-of-the-order bat and significant bullpen help. However, Meador stressed that he's unwilling to mortgage the future by depleting the farm system for a short-term rental. If the Reds falter in the coming week, veterans like Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagán, and Scott Barlow could be on the move to contenders.
Meador's emphasis on sustainable success isn't just talk. The organization backed it up this weekend by signing eight more picks from the 2025 draft class, including top prospects like shortstop Steele Hall (first round) and right-handed pitchers Aaron Watson (second round) and Mason Morris (third round). This continued investment in amateur talent signals that no matter what happens at the trade deadline, the long-term health of the organization remains the top priority. It's a balancing act between winning now and ensuring the Reds can win for years to come.
With the team hovering just outside the playoff picture, the upcoming road trip finale in Washington and the subsequent homestand against the Rays and Dodgers are more than just games; they are the final auditions before the July 31 trade deadline. The front office is watching, the fans are watching, and the direction of the 2025 season will be decided in the next ten days. Buckle up, Reds Country.
