'We got better': Reds thrilled with 3 Deadline additions

CINCINNATI -- After two acquisitions on Wednesday, and another deal Thursday ahead of the 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline, the Reds proved to be buyers. It just wasn't in a way that was expected from them as the week approached.

The two biggest needs were a middle-of-the-lineup bat to protect Elly De La Cruz and back of the bullpen help in a high-leverage reliever. Instead, they upgraded their infield defense by getting Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pirates and picked up a starting pitcher from the Rays in Zack Littell.

Just before the Deadline's zero hour, Cincinnati also acquired infielder/outfielder Miguel Andujar from the A's for Single-A right-hander Kenya Huggins. While not a big name, the right-handed-hitting Andujar has a strong track record for hitting left-handed pitching -- something that's not been consistent on the Reds this season.

"We feel we improved our pitching, our defense and our offense by making these three trades," president of baseball operations Nick Krall said before the Reds' 12-11, 10-inning loss to the Braves at Great American Ball Park. “We feel collectively that we got better.”

While some fans might be left scratching their heads about what wasn't acquired, the front office's effort to make trades was well received inside the Reds clubhouse. Cincinnati is 3 1/2 games back for the final National League Wild Card spot and is pushing for its first full-season postseason berth since 2013.

“I like our chances," pitcher Nick Martinez said. "We’ve added some really good ballplayers. It’s exciting. Everyone in here is working hard to play in October. And knowing that our front office has that same mindset should give us all a big boost of confidence and a lot of energy to finish strong.”

Hayes was the first of the new additions to make his Reds debut Thursday in what turned out to be an eventful performance.

Despite having established himself as an elite defender, Cincinnati's new third baseman committed just his fifth error of the season in the sixth inning that allowed two Braves runners to score. As if wanting to ensure his first night in a Reds uniform wasn't marred by that gaffe, Hays atoned for it by slugging a three-run homer in the eighth that sparked an eight-run frame for Cincinnati.

As the market proved with several trades made around the league in recent days, relievers were highly coveted and the cost for adding bullpen help proved prohibitive for a club like the Reds. Looking for sustainable growth by building from within with homegrown talent, Krall didn't want to empty the farm system to add someone.

It only cost the Reds their No. 10 prospect, lefty pitcher Adam Serwinowski (who was sent to the Dodgers as part of a three-team deal), and a non-prospect in right-handed pitcher Brian Van Belle to get Littell from Tampa Bay. Shortstop Sammy Stafura, who was part of the deal to get Hayes from Pittsburgh, was the organization's No. 9-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline. Huggins was ranked as the Reds' No. 22 prospect. The only Major League player moved was lefty reliever Taylor Rogers in the Hayes deal.

“The biggest thing for me is that we bought," Krall said. "We’re in a position to buy. We put the club in a position to buy. The players put themselves in a position to buy. That’s the biggest thing, that we were able to add to this team and see where it goes.

“I walked through the clubhouse earlier and guys were excited with a lot of the guys that we got. They came up to me and said they were pretty excited.”

Martinez's versatility and willingness to move out of the rotation and take on a familiar swingman role out of the bullpen is one of the reasons the Reds traded for a starter like Littell.

It's no small thing that the Reds' highest-paid player was enthusiastic about changing roles.

"As I am getting older, I’m not going to have as many cracks at it, so whatever helps us win games. I want to be able to call myself a champion one day," said the 34-year-old Martinez, who is making $21.05 million this season on his one-year contract.

By bringing in Hayes, a 2023 Gold Glove winner who is ranked among the best defensively this season, the Reds were free to move Noelvi Marte from third base to right field. Like Martinez, it was a role change that Marte was also enthusiastic about. When the transaction dust settles, the club will have to sort out playing time for some of their left-handed-hitting outfielders among Gavin Lux, Jake Fraley and Will Benson.

Now manager Terry Francona knows the team he will have the rest of the way as it tries to fight its way into October baseball. While he and his coaches were consulted about possible moves, Francona never publicly lobbied for additions.

“I’ve liked our team from April," Francona said. "We know we’re not the ’27 Yankees. That doesn’t mean we don’t like going out there and competing with the group we have."