The Cincinnati Reds have finally landed some bullpen help, after completing a trade with the Yankees and Rockies. The Reds acquired Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson from the New York Yankees in a trade completed late Tuesday night. They also landed Mychal Givens from the Colorado Rockies in a trade that is being finalized as of Wednesday afternoon.
Cincinnati Reds Land Three Relievers Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline
Luis Cessa is the best of the bunch with an ERA of 2.82. He is 29 years old and the Reds will have him under contract through 2023, so this trade helps beyond this season. Justin Wilson has struggled mightily this season with a 7.50 ERA, but he had a sub 4.00 ERA for the three seasons prior. The Reds will be hoping he can return to form, and he is still a better option than some of the arms the Reds have been using.
A player to be named later will be heading to the Yankees, but it will likely be a minor leaguer that the Reds will be sending to New York. Cessa and Wilson are good additions to the pen, and Cessa will step in as one of the best arms they have when he walks through the door.
Givens is another great add for the Reds. He is posting a 2.73 ERA, and in his ninth season he has only had an ERA over 4.00 twice. The Reds will be sending over two prospects in Case Williams and Noah Davis. Both are good young pitchers, but this is another huge addition for the Reds bullpen.
The Reds currently have the worst bullpen ERA in the MLB at 5.36. These trades should give life to the team as they try to make a playoff push. They are currently seven games behind the Brewers for first place in the NL Central, and six games behind the Padres for the second Wild Card spot. The bullpen has really been the only issue that has cost the Reds numerous games.
The Reds might not be done yet either. They could use another pitcher and some help at the plate for the right price. The Reds are now in prime position to make a legitimate run at the division title.
