ESPN is predicting that the Cincinnati Reds will make a major splash at the deadline. Multiple MLB writers have acquiring much-needed help before the July 31 trade deadline. They have the Reds completing three pretty big trades, though the likelihood of one is low and another has no mention of what it would cost the Reds.

The Reds’ rotation has been its biggest strength this season, but instead of just adding to the bullpen, the team was looking at fortifying its bullpen from within, moving a starter — or two, depending on the status of Hunter Greene — to the bullpen, while adding to the back of the rotation.

The Los Angeles Dodgers head to Cincinnati to face the Reds in their series opener on Monday at the Great American Ball Park.

Jul 13, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (29) celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani extended his hitting streak to nine games with a two-run double in the fifth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-2.

All that's between the Reds and the 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline on Thursday are three key games against the superstar-laden Dodgers. But as they've often stressed as a club seeking a playoff berth, there was no looking ahead.

The Reds have been searching for long-term consistency since the Big Red Machine days and the early 2010s. This team has the talent to set the franchise up for sustained success, but that's also going to require beating the best teams, like the Dodgers.