The Reds go all-in for 2025, acquiring Ke'Bryan Hayes (Pirates) & Zack Littell (Rays) at the July 31 deadline. See how these huge moves shake up the NL.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Forget just being buyers. On a wild July 31st, Reds General Manager Brad Meador made it clear that Cincinnati is here to win, pulling off two significant trades to acquire Gold Glove third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pirates and starting pitcher Zack Littell in a three-team deal with the Rays. The moves send a jolt of electricity through a team already riding high from a key series win against the Dodgers, signaling that the front office is all-in on a 2025 playoff run.
We want to try to push in to win this year.
The front office addressed two major needs with surgical precision. The acquisition of Ke'Bryan Hayes from the division-rival Pirates provides an immediate and dramatic upgrade at the hot corner. Hayes is renowned for his elite, Gold Glove-caliber defense and brings a steady bat to the lineup. Meanwhile, the trade for Zack Littell bolsters a starting rotation in need of depth. The 29-year-old right-hander has been a reliable force for Tampa Bay, posting an 8-8 record with a 3.58 ERA across 22 starts this season. He provides the stability needed for a deep postseason push.
GM Brad Meador's philosophy of balancing immediate needs with 'sustainable success' was on full display. To land Littell, the Reds parted with minor league pitchers Brian Van Belle and Adam Serwinowski. Van Belle, who was dealt today, made his final start for a Reds affiliate last night, pitching six innings in a bittersweet farewell. While it's always tough to see prospects go, these are the calculated risks a contending team must take to seize a championship window.
The timing couldn't be better. The Reds (57-52) roll into Great American Ball Park tonight to host the Atlanta Braves fresh off a thrilling 5-2 victory over the Dodgers. That win was sealed by a clutch, two-run triple from Spencer Steer in the eighth inning, a perfect example of the team's resilient spirit. With Elly De La Cruz leading the charge with his 18 homers and .282 average, the addition of Hayes and Littell adds another layer of firepower and stability. The dugout will be buzzing as this revamped roster takes the field.
The message from the front office is loud and clear: they believe in this team. Brad Meador has made his moves, pushing the chips to the center of the table. Now, with a reinforced roster and sky-high expectations, the focus shifts back to the diamond. The push for October just got real, and the road begins tonight against the Braves. Buckle up, Reds Country, the rest of this season is going to be a wild ride.
