As the MLB trade deadline looms, the Cincinnati Reds remain in a holding pattern, watching the dominoes fall across the league. The Seattle Mariners kicked off the action by snagging Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks, and with Eugenio Suárez still circulating in rumors, fans in Cincinnati are understandably focused on potential lineup upgrades, especially at third base.
But it’s the subtle, under-the-radar deals that can also make a big difference in October.
That brings us to Miami Marlins right-hander Anthony Bender. A name not lighting up the headlines, but one that savvy front offices should be circling as a sneaky bullpen upgrade.