​Former Athletics .846 OPS outfielder named trade deadline ‘asset’ for Reds originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Cincinnati Reds are anticipated to be one of MLB’s sellers at this year’s trade deadline.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEven with another strong season from shortstop Elly De La Cruz, the Reds are at the bottom of the NL Central standings.Clinching a Wild Card spot is possible but not likely.One of Cincinnati’s top trade chips could be an outfielder who began the season at Triple-A but has a .846 OPS with 16 home runs in 67 games.”JJ Bleday was DFA’d by the Athletics last season before picking up with the Cincinnati Reds in 2026. While the Reds are on a somber trajectory these days, Bleday’s breakout season is a bright spot,” FanSided’s Christopher Kline wrote Monday.”Moreover, with Bleday under club control through 2028, the Reds could flip him for significant value at the deadline,” Kline added.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBleday connected for 20 home runs in 2024 with the A’s. But his 2025 season consisted of an elevated strikeout rate and a .698 OPS.MORE: What happened to Shohei Ohtani? Why Dodgers star won’t pitch tonight, or play in All-Star GameThe Reds clearly saw something they could fix with Bleday’s swing, and he’s turned into a valuable everyday player for manager Terry Francona’s club.”Cincy will need to weigh the risk and reward of carrying Bleday into next season as opposed to selling when his value has reached what is probably its absolute highest point,” Kline added. “Every team needs outfield help.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBleday’s Reds tenure may be a short one. There are certainly a few contending teams who will show interest at the deadline.Cubs ‘realistic’ trade idea sends Seiya Suzuki to the Mariners for Luis CastilloPhillies trade idea lands Jung Hoo Lee and Robbie Ray from Giants for 2 prospectsYankees trade idea sends Carlos Lagrange to Athletics for utilityman Zack GelofWhat did Blue Jays get for Tommy Nance? Twins send .855 OPS catcher prospect in tradeCardinals sign JJ Wetherholt to eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension