Terry Francona's Trade Deadline Comments May Surprise Reds Fans

" I haven’t given it much thought," Francona told Joe Danneman after Sunday's win over the Pirates. "Whatever. I know the guys are working it, but it’s not my area and I don’t want it to be."

There's no question that the Reds have played a lot differently in the past few weeks. But that doesn't mean the front office believes that a postseason run is in the future this season.

It's easy to start believing in this team again given the talent in the starting pitching rotation and the way some of the bats have come alive. However, are they a serious contender for a playoff spot?

After the game on Sunday, the Reds sit 5.5 games out of the last Wild Card spot in the National League. With the schedule getting tougher as the team enters the most important months of the season, the front office is running out of time.

It was reported on Sunday afternoon that the Reds are open to moving JJ Bleday, Nathaniel Lowe, and Dane Myers. However, if they move any of those players, this front office is saying this season is in the can.

Saying goodbye is never easy. If the Reds move on from Stephenson, the team will have a tough void to fill behind the plate.

As for talents like Bleday and Myers, the Reds could hang on to guys like that given their current contracts. It may take an impressive return for the front office to really move on from the only two outfielders who have shown a sign of life on this team this season.

With the league's uncertainty heading into 2027, these next two months could be the last time we watch Reds baseball for some time. Maybe they should go all in and give the fans a season to remember.