Making a strong push for playoff contention, the Cincinnati Reds announced two trades. Overnight, the team acquired relievers Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson from the New York Yankees for a player to be named later. The second trade occurred this morning, with acquiring right-hander Mychal Givens from the Colorado Rockies for minor league pitchers, Noah Davis and Case Williams.
Yankees seem to have a plan in order, dumping two pitchers to help them land a big name at the deadline. Cessa is upset that he can’t help the Yankees win their 28th title. But, pitched well through 38.1 innings of work, holding a 3-1 record with a 2.82 ERA in 29 appearances out of the bullpen. He will look to provide the Reds with throwing multiple innings throughout the course of their season.
Justin Wilson, a well-established MLB veteran, has missed some time this year due to injury. Through 21 relief appearances, he holds a 7.50 ERA and has only struck out 15 through 18 innings of work. Cincinnati’s bullpen had various injuries this year, losing Tejay Antone for the season. Acquiring both a lefty and a righty could be the right move for their team.
Just this morning, Cincinnati also announced they are acquiring Mychal Givens from the Colorado Rockies. Givens looks to be returning to his old form after struggles being traded to Colorado last season. This year, he carries a 2.73 ERA and has finished 9 games for the Rockies. Colorado acquires two minor league pitchers in the Givens deal, with Colorado looking to build more of their farm system.
Case Williams, 19, returns to Denver after being flipped in a deal that sent Robert Stephenson to Colorado. With Cincinnati’s Low-A organization, Williams made 11 starts, pitching to a 5.55 ERA, striking out 34. He was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 4th round of the 2020 MLB Draft. The Rockies should help him to reach his full potential.
Noah Davis was having quite the season in Cincinnati’s High-A affiliate, throwing in 13 starts, holding a 3.60 ERA. It is also worth noting that Davis has struck out 77 batters through 65 innings of work. The 24-year old could move quickly through the Rockies system, potentially having a shot to joining AA Hartford’s rotation quicker than expected.
With Cincinnati making these moves, it could really make the NL Central a fun division to keep an eye on as we inch closer and closer to the postseason. The Reds are currently in second place in the NL Central Division with a 52-49 record. These three relievers join Amir Garrett and Sean Doolittle as the other established veterans in Cincy’s bullpen. After these acquisitions, will the Reds have a shot at winning the division, or earning a Wild Card spot come this October?